Solanum diphyllum
L.
Twinleaf nightshade
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Summary
Source: WikipediaSolanum diphyllum, commonly known as the twoleaf nightshade, is a species of nightshade native to the Americas. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its clusters of dark green round fruits that turn a bright yellow when ripe.
Description
A tropical herb in the Solanaceae family producing red fruit when ripe.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The ripe fruit is edible. The fruit is a globose berry around 7 - 12mm in diameter. It is green and hard when immature, becoming bright orange and fleshy when ripe.
Known Hazards
Although providing many well-known foods for people, including the potato, tomato, pepper and aubergine, most species in this genus also contain toxic alkaloids. Whilst these alkaloids can make the plant useful in treaing a range of medical conditions, they can also cause problems such as nausea, vomiting, salivation, drowsiness, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weakness and respiratory depression. Unless there are specific entries with information on edible uses, it would be unwise to ingest any part of this plant.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Central America, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, West Indies,
Cultivation
Solanum diphyllum is native to subtropical and tropical regions of Mexico and central America. In cultivation it has also proved to be hardy in warm temperate areas such as southern France, southern Italy and Florida. Solanum diphyllum has been grown as an ornamental and escaped from cultivation in many areas. It is established in tropical and subtropical regions in countries such as India, China, the Philippines and southern N. Americap418].
Propagation
Seed - sow in trays in a nursery. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on fast. Plant them out when 10cm or more tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood. Very easy, the cuttings root within a couple of weeks.
Also Known As
Jurubeba, Miltomate, Tsakam tsabalte
References (2)
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 817
- Samuels, J., 2015, Biodiversity of Food Species of the Solonaceae Family: A Preliminary Taxonomic Inventory of Subfamily Solanoideae. Resources 2015, 4. 277-322
