Brazilian nightshade (Solanum seaforthianum, Bot. Repos. 8: t. 504 (1808))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: Andrews

Bibliography: Bot. Repos. 8: t. 504 (1808)

Year: 1808

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solanum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Florida to Caribbean, Mexico to Venezuela, Brazil (Fernando de Noronha)

Description

The Brazilian nightshade, scientifically known as Solanum seaforthianum, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. This botanical species was first described by Andrews in the early 19th century, with its notable presence documented in the Botanical Repository in 1808.

Native to a wide range of tropical and subtropical regions, the Brazilian nightshade thrives from Florida and the Caribbean down to Mexico, extending further south through Venezuela and even reaching the Brazilian island of Fernando de Noronha. Its striking adaptability allows it to flourish in diverse climates and terrains, making it a common sight within its native range.

Characterized by its attractive green foliage and delicate, often violet-tinged flowers, Solanum seaforthianum is a visually stunning addition to any landscape. It is often noted for its climbing or sprawling growth habit, which enables it to cover structures and create lush, natural canopies. This feature is particularly appealing in ornamental gardening where it can be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of arbors, trellises, and fences.

Beyond its beauty, the Brazilian nightshade is an important species in its native ecosystems. It serves as a habitat and food source for various pollinators and wildlife, contributing to the ecological balance and biodiversity of the areas it inhabits. However, this plant should be handled with care, as many members of the Solanaceae family possess toxic properties that can pose risks to humans and animals alike.

Cultivating Solanum seaforthianum requires a warm climate and well-draining soil. Ensuring adequate sunlight and moisture will promote vigorous growth and blooming. Gardeners and botanists alike appreciate the plant not only for its ornamental potential but also for its historical and botanical significance, as recorded in early botanical literature.

In summary, the Brazilian nightshade, Solanum seaforthianum, is a remarkable plant celebrated for its captivating appearance and ecological importance. Its widespread presence across the Americas and its cultivation requirements make it a notable species within the Solanaceae family, worthy of both appreciation and respect in botanical and horticultural circles.

Common Names

Eng: brazilian nightshade, italian-jasmine, st. vincent-lilac, black nightshade, climbing nightshade, deadly nightshade, potato-creeper
Afr: aartappelranker
Deu: brasilianischer nachtschatten
Spa: guindilla
Por: trepadeira-doce-amarga
En: Brazilian nightshade, Climbing nightshade, Deadly nightshade, Potato-creeper, St. Vincent-lilac, Black nightshade, Italian-jasmine, Potato creeper, St Vincent lilac, Dwarf juniper
Af: Aartappelranker
Ar: حدق برازيلي
Zh: 南青杞, 星茄
De: Brasilianischer Nachtschatten
Ml: വള്ളിത്തക്കാളി
Pt: Trepadeira-doce-amarga
Es: Guindilla, Jazmín de Italia, Falsa belladona
Sv: Praktsöta
Zh-tw: 星茄
Uk: Паслін Зеафорта

Synonyms

• Solanum kerrii (Bonati)
• Solanum cyrrhosum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Dunal)
• Solanum tenuifolium (Dunal)
• Solanum prunifolium (Willd.)
• Solanum seaforthianum var. disjunctum (O.E.Schulz)
• Solanum pentadactylon (G.Don)
• Solanum botryophorum (Ridl.)
• Solanum salignum (Willd.)
• Solanum venustum (Kunth)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Botswana (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cyprus (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• French Guiana (introduced)
• Ghana (introduced)
• Guyana (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 7, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Flower

Taken May 7, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Zoé Thivet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 14, 2021 by sandra Borie (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2932040)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:316949-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum seaforthianum Andrews)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth