Solanum septemlobum

Bunge

Nightshade

Solanaceae Edible: Leaves, Fruit Potential hazards — see below 56 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A perennial growing to 2m tall with hermaphrodite flowers. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Can grow in semi-shade or full light and prefers moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

Leaves are cooked as a famine food only when other sources are unavailable. Caution is advised.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are boiled then eaten with oil and salt. The fruit are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Toxicity concerns require cautious use; see plant toxicity notes.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Inner Mongolia,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils.

Propagation

Sow seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse. Pot seedlings individually when large enough and transplant after the final frost.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Notes

There are about 1400 Solanum species.

Also Known As

Yexihongshi

References (3)

Jia, X., et al, 2022, Ethnobotany of wild edible plants in multiethnic areas of the Gansu–Ningxia–Inner Mongolia junction zone. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 18:53
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
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