Family: Solanaceae
Author: Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: 17 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Solanum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
The Jamaican nightshade, scientifically known as Solanum jamaicense, is a fascinating member of the Solanaceae family. This botanical species was first documented in the 8th edition of “Gardener’s Dictionary” by Philip Miller in 1768, marking its introduction to the scientific community.
Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, the Jamaican nightshade thrives in diverse environments ranging from humid lowlands to mountainous areas. It is particularly well-adapted to the varied climates found within these regions, showcasing its resilience and ecological versatility.
Characterized by its striking foliage and distinctive flowering patterns, the Jamaican nightshade commands attention in any landscape. The plant’s leaves are typically broad and somewhat leathery, providing a lush backdrop for its decorative blooms. These flowers, often displaying hues of purple or white, emerge in clusters, adding a splash of color and an element of intrigue.
One of the key features of Solanum jamaicense is its ability to adapt and flourish in various soil types, although it often prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Despite its beauty, caution is advised when handling this plant, as many species within the Solanaceae family contain alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested.
The Jamaican nightshade has garnered interest not only for its ornamental value but also for its potential uses in traditional medicine. Indigenous cultures within its native range have long utilized different parts of the plant for various therapeutic purposes, although modern research is still exploring its pharmacological properties.
Overall, Solanum jamaicense is a remarkable example of botanical diversity found within the Americas. Its robust nature, combined with its appealing visual characteristics, make it a noteworthy subject of study for botanists and horticulturists alike.
Common Names
Eng: jamaican nightshade
En: Jamaican nightshade
Synonyms
- Solanum dubium (Dunal)
- Solanum brevipilum (Dunal)
- Solanum portoricense (Dunal)
- Solanum brevipilosum (Dunal)
- Solanum croceum (Dunal)
- Solanum willdenovianum (G.Don)
- Solanum heterotricum (Dunal)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
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.
Flower
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 17, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Armando Soto (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 17, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Sebastian Gardt (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by Hasan Sabran (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Armando Soto (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2931492)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:819638-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum jamaicense Mill.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine
