Nightshade (Solanum umbellatum, Gard. Dict. ed. 8.: n.° 27 (1768))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8.: n.° 27 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solanum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Nightshade, known scientifically as Solanum umbellatum, is a species belonging to the large and diverse family Solanaceae. This intriguing plant was first documented in the “Garden Dictionary” 8th edition, which was published in 1768 by the author Mill.

Native to regions spanning from Mexico to tropical areas of the Americas, Solanum umbellatum thrives in warm climates. The plant is notable for its ability to adapt to various environments within these geographic boundaries, showcasing a resilience that has likely contributed to its widespread presence in these regions.

The Solanaceae family, to which Nightshade belongs, encompasses an array of plants that differ significantly in form and function, ranging from agricultural staples to ornamental varieties. This family is particularly noteworthy for its economic and ecological importance, providing many essential crops, medicinal plants, and garden ornamentals.

Nightshade itself has been studied extensively for its unique characteristics and its role within the ecosystem. Whether growing in wild tropical environments or in more cultivated settings, Solanum umbellatum contributes to the biodiversity and floral richness of its native regions.

Common Names

Eng: nightshade
En: Nightshade

Synonyms

• Solanum chlorophloium (St.-Lag.)
• Solanum cortex-virens (Dunal)
• Solanum lancifolium (Sessé & Moc.)
• Solanum receptum (Van Heurck & Müll.Arg.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alex Monro (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 6, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 6, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Jesus Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by de Crescenzo Vincenzo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Sánchez Vallerina Eustaquio Anastacio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2022 by N E U R I S I L V A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Sánchez Vallerina Eustaquio Anastacio (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 9, 2021 by Iara Magela P. Santos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Sánchez Vallerina Eustaquio Anastacio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by Catherine Vaneyck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Jesus Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 27, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 6, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 6, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alex Monro (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken May 6, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2929008)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:821363-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum umbellatum Mill.)

Specifications

Growth