Riedle’s nightshade (Solanum schlechtendalianum, Repert. Bot. Syst. 3: 61)

Family: Solanaceae

Author: Walp.

Bibliography: Repert. Bot. Syst. 3: 61

Year: 1859

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solanum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to S. Trop. America, Trinidad

Description

Riedle’s nightshade, scientifically known as Solanum schlechtendalianum, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. First documented by Walp., this species has garnered attention for its unique characteristics and extensive geographical distribution.

The range of Riedle’s nightshade extends from Mexico through southern tropical America, reaching as far as Trinidad. This widespread distribution indicates the plant’s adaptability to diverse climates and terrains across the region. Whether thriving in warmer tropical climates or more temperate environments, Solanum schlechtendalianum has evolved to occupy a variety of ecological niches.

As a member of the Solanaceae family, Riedle’s nightshade shares a lineage with many other notable plants, including tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. This botanical family is well known for its economic importance and the significant roles its members play in both agriculture and horticulture.

With its robust adaptability and broad distribution, Solanum schlechtendalianum represents a fascinating subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Understanding the ecological roles and adaptations of this plant can provide deeper insights into the diverse plant life that populates the tropical regions of the Americas.

Common Names

En: Riedle’s nightshade

Synonyms

• Solanum geminiflorum (Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Solanum salviifolium (Lam.)
• Solanum gentlei (Lundell)
• Solanum fragile (C.Wright ex Griseb.)
• Capparis hypoleuca (C.Presl)
• Solanum eduardi (Kunth & C.D.Bouché)
• Solanum lasiantherum (Van Heurck & Müll.Arg.)
• Solanum riedlei (Dunal)

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (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 Nov 26, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 18, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Aug 18, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 18, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken May 24, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 24, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 24, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 26, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 26, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 26, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 26, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:820941-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2932884)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum schlechtendalianum Walp.)

Specifications

Growth