Argentine nightshade (Solanum physalifolium, Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 6: 88 (1896))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: Rusby

Bibliography: Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 6: 88 (1896)

Year: 1896

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solanum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Peru to Argentina (Salta)

Description

The Argentine nightshade, scientifically known as Solanum physalifolium, belongs to the diverse and economically important family Solanaceae. This plant species was first described in detail in Rusby’s publication in the Memoirs of the Torrey Botanical Club in 1896.

Native to South America, the Argentine nightshade thrives in a range of environments, extending from Peru to Argentina, specifically in regions such as Salta. This adaptability to various climates demonstrates the plant’s robust nature and its ability to flourish in different agricultural zones.

As a member of the Solanaceae family, Solanum physalifolium shares many characteristics with other well-known plants in this group, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. The family Solanaceae is renowned for its significance in agriculture, horticulture, and pharmacology, which makes the study of the Argentine nightshade particularly interesting for botanists and plant enthusiasts.

The plant features distinct morphological traits typical to its genus, including its nightshade floral structure and berry-like fruit. These characteristics not only aid in its identification but also contribute to its role in local ecosystems, providing food and habitat for various insects and animals.

Solanum physalifolium continues to be a subject of study for its potential uses and its ecological importance within the regions it inhabits. Through ongoing research and observation, the knowledge surrounding this plant species continues to expand, highlighting its place within the rich tapestry of South American flora.

Common Names

Eng: argentine nightshade, green nightshade, hairy nightshade, hoe nightshade, three-flowered nightshade, ground-cherry nightshade
Deu: argentinischer nachtschatten, glanzfrüchtiger nachtschatten
Nld: glansbesnachtschade
Fra: morelle à feuilles de coqueret, morelle à baies luisantes
Dan: storbægret natskygge
Nno: begersøtvier
Nob: begersøtvier
Ces: lilek leskloplodý
Cym: codwarth gwyrdd
Swe: bägarnattskatta
En: Argentine nightshade, Hairy nightshade, Green nightshade, Hoe nightshade, Ground-cherry nightshade, Three-flowered nightshade
Cs: Lilek leskloplodý
Da: Storbægret natskygge
Nl: Glansbesnachtschade
Fi: Kehtokoiso
Fr: Morelle à baies luisantes, Morelle à feuilles de coqueret
De: Argentinischer Nachtschatten, Glanzfrüchtiger Nachtschatten
Nb: Begersøtvier
Nn: Begersøtvier
Sv: Bägarnattskatta
Cy: Codwarth gwyrdd

Synonyms

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Peru (native)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 17, 2020 by Tim Jenkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2020 by Tim Jenkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2019 by olivia maurel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Oct 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 20, 2015 by EOL − Lindsey K. Wise (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Leaf

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Olive Cricri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Tom Christiansen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Olive Cricri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2020 by Angelo Cofre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2020 by Tim Jenkins (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Bark

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Laurent Straboni (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2932144)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:285264-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum physalifolium Rusby)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth