Family: Solanaceae
Author: All.
Bibliography: Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 12 (1773)
Year: 1773
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Solanum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: S. Trop. America
Description
Solanum capsicoides, commonly known as Cockroach-berry, is a remarkable species belonging to the Solanaceae family. Initially described in the “Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.” in 1773 by the botanist All., this plant boasts an intricate history and significant botanical interest.
Originating from Southern Tropical America, Solanum capsicoides thrives in a variety of tropical environments. This hardy plant is well-adapted to warm climates, where it usually establishes itself in disturbed areas, contributing to its reputation as a resilient species.
The Cockroach-berry distinguishes itself with its distinct appearance. The plant features spiny stems and leaves, a notable characteristic within its genus. The leaves are broad with sharp, serrated edges that provide a rudimentary defense mechanism against herbivory. The striking fruit, from which the common name derives, is often orange to red when fully ripe and resembles small, round berries. Despite their vibrant allure, these berries are not typically consumed by humans due to their toxicity, a common trait among many Solanaceae species.
The flowers of Solanum capsicoides are another point of interest. They are usually white or light purple, small, and star-shaped, aligning with the general floral morphology seen within the Solanaceae family. The flowering phase adds to the aesthetic appeal of the plant and provides critical resources for various pollinators in its native habitats.
Solanum capsicoides plays a role in the ecosystem by offering shelter and sustenance to insects and other small creatures. However, its propensity to spread and establish itself in new areas has led to concerns over its invasive potential in non-native environments. This duality—both beneficial and potentially problematic—mimics the complex relationships many Solanaceae members share with their surroundings.
Understanding Solanum capsicoides involves appreciating its resilience, distinctive features, and ecological interactions. This plant, with its vibrant berries and hardy nature, continues to fascinate botanists and horticulturists alike, securing a notable spot within the vast family of Solanaceae.
Common Names
Eng: cockroach berry, cockroach-berry, devil’s-apple
Deu: gewimperter nachtschatten, wimper-nachtschatten
Swe: guldbärsskatta, guldbärssolanum
Spa: mata cucaracha
En: Cockroach-berry, Devil’s-apple, Cockroach berry, Mata cucaracha
De: Gewimperter Nachtschatten, Wimper-Nachtschatten
Es: Mata cucaracha
Sv: Guldbärsskatta, Guldbärssolanum
Synonyms
- Solanum trongum var. sinuatopinnatifidum (Dunal)
- Solanum bodinieri (H.Lév. & Vaniot)
- Solanum ciliatum (Lam.)
- Solanum ciliatum var. multiflorum (Dunal)
- Solanum ciliare (Willd.)
- Solanum sinuatifolium (Vell.)
- Solanum arrebenta (Vell.)
- Solanum aculeatissimum var. denudatum (Dunal)
- Solanum sphaerocarpum (Moric.)
- Solanum macowanii (Fourc.)
- Solanum ungens (Weinm.)
- Solanum pentapetalum (Schltdl.)
- Solanum ciliatum var. arenarium (Dunal)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Belize (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Guyana (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Laos (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Liberia (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Manchuria (introduced)
- Marquesas (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- Nansei-shoto (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Nicaragua (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Peru (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Suriname (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
- Zimbabwe (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken May 4, 2021 by Balbuena Nadine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Leite Fabiana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 22, 2022 by ConecTudo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2018 by Pedro Pedro Ivo Iazpek Cunha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2019 by galagarza madison (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Elisabet Dusik (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2022 by neznama_holka (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 4, 2021 by Balbuena Nadine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 5, 2021 by Montaldo María Eugenia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 11, 2021 by Abraham Zachariah (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2020 by J.H lin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2019 by galagarza madison (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 4, 2021 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2020 by J.H lin (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Dec 4, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:330645-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2929362)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum capsicoides All.)