Solanum sessile
Ruiz & Pav.
Sessile nightshade
iNaturalist· cc-by-sa
(c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo
iNaturalist· cc-by-sa
(c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Description
A tropical shrub in the Solanaceae family that is cultivated and produces edible fruit.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
Fruit. There is also a report that the fruit is toxic to vertebrates. The fruit is a globose, green berry around 10 - 15mm in diameter.
Known Hazards
The plant is toxic to vertebrates: The cooked fruit is used as a hunting poison. 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
Amazon, Andes, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, South America*, Venezuela,
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.
Other Uses
The stems are used for fuel.
Other Information
It is cultivated.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Gulac, Hediondilla, Jurubebinha, Maikuanim, Mun sauk, Yarga huando, Sacha congompe, Sanango, Yunkua
References (3)
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 620
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
- Torre, de la, L., et al, 2008, Enciclopedia de las Plantas Útiles del Ecuador. Herbario QCA. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. p 595
