Solanum pseudocapsicum
Linn.
Mirchala
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Summary
Source: WikipediaSolanum pseudocapsicum is a nightshade species with mildly poisonous fruit. It is commonly known as the Jerusalem cherry, Madeira winter cherry, or, ambiguously, "winter cherry". These perennials can be grown decoratively as house plants, but in some areas of South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand it is regarded as a weed.
Description
An erect shrub. It grows 90-120 cm tall. The leaves are 4-8 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are narrowly oval. There are 1-3 flowers in a group in the axils of leaves. The flowers are white. The fruit is a berry 8-12 mm across. It is scarlet red and shiny. The seeds are 3 mm wide.
Edible Uses
The fruit is used as a colouring agent in various dishes.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are used as a colouring agent in various dishes. Caution: It can contain alkaloids such as solanine.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
The fruit can contain alkaloids such as solanine.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. In Pakistan it grows up to 2,200 m altitude. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,600 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Caucasus, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cuba, East Africa, Ecuador, Georgia, Himalayas, India, Iran, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, NW India, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, SE Asia, Slovenia, South Africa, South America*, Tasmania, Uruguay, West Indies, Zimbabwe,
Notes
It has anticancer properties.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Jerusalem cherry, Madeirski koralni grm, Madeira winter cherry, Pan-ngayok
References (8)
- Bussman, R. W., et al, 2021, Unity in diversity—food plants and fungi of Sakartvelo (Republic of Georgia), Caucasus. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2021) 17:72 p 15
- Flora of Pakistan. www.eFloras.org
- http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
- Kintzios, S. E., 2006, Terrestrial Plant-Derived Anticancer Agents and Plant Species Used in Anticancer research. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. 25: pp 79-113
- Miguel, E., et al, 1989, A checklist of the cultivated plants of Cuba. Kulturpflanze 37. 1989, 211-357
Show all 8 references Hide references
- Ramachandran,V. S., & Udhayavani, C., 2013, Knowledge and uses of wild edible plants by Paniyas and Kurumbas of Western Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources. 4(4) December 2013, pp 412-418
- Rashid, A., Anand, V.K. & Serwar, J., 2008, Less Known Wild Plants Used by the Gujjar Tribe of District Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir State. International Journal of Botany 4(2):219-244
- Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 55
