Twoleaf nightshade (Solanum diphyllum, Sp. Pl.: 184 (1753))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 184 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solanum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to C. America

Description

Twoleaf nightshade, scientifically known as Solanum diphyllum, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. First described in the seminal work of Linnaeus in 1753, this species stands out with its characteristic dual leaf pattern, which gives the plant its common name.

Indigenous to regions spanning from Mexico to Central America, Solanum diphyllum thrives in these warm, tropical climates. Its ability to adapt to a variety of environments within this range demonstrates its resilience and versatility as a species.

The plant itself is often admired for its distinctive appearance. Typically, the foliage presents as pairs of leaves, which is relatively uncommon among its relatives in the Solanaceae family. These leaves often grow in a unique, alternating pattern along the stem, contributing to the plant’s aesthetic appeal in its natural habitat or cultivated settings.

In addition to its visual allure, Twoleaf nightshade also plays a role in the local ecosystems it inhabits. The flowers of Solanum diphyllum are known to attract various pollinators, thus contributing to the biodiversity of its surrounding environment. The plant’s berries, which follow the flowering phase, provide sustenance for wildlife, integrating Twoleaf nightshade into the broader food web.

Cultivators and gardeners might find Twoleaf nightshade particularly interesting due to its relatively low maintenance requirements and its adaptability to different soil types. Whether kept for ornamental purposes or for its ecological benefits, Solanum diphyllum stands as a noteworthy species within the botanical community.

Overall, Twoleaf nightshade (Solanum diphyllum) represents a blend of resilience, beauty, and ecological importance, characteristic of its rich geographical origins in Mexico and Central America.

Common Names

Eng: twoleaf nightshade, twinleaf nightshade
En: Twoleaf nightshade, Twinleaf nightshade
Zh: 玛瑙珠, 瑪瑙珠, 黃果龍葵
Zh-tw: 瑪瑙珠
Zh-hant: 瑪瑙珠
Vi: Cà hai lá

Synonyms

• Pseudocapsicum diphyllum ((L.) Medik.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 1994 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2021 by Prashant Gangal (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Selondjor Java Village Tour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2020 by Nobre Carla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 8, 2022 by Vera Lucia Reis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2022 by Vipra Malandkar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Rawell Bruno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by pedro hrbt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2019 by Cornel Buzea (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 6, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 6, 2020 by gan-gan jatnika (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gibran Morales C. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gibran Morales C. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gibran Morales C. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by laura kelly (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 24, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2931088)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:285209-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum diphyllum L.)

Specifications

Growth