Solanum nigrum
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| Solanum nigrum | ||||||||||||||
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| Solanum nigrum L. |
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S. nigrum subsp. nigrum |
Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade, Duscle, Garden Nightshade, Hound's Berry, Petty Morel, Small-fruited black nightshade, Sunberry, or Wonderberry) is a species in the Solanum genus, native to Eurasia and also introduced in the Americas. In Hawaii it is called popolo.[1]
The green berries and mature leaves contain glycoalkaloids and are poisonous to eat raw. Their toxicity varies and there are some strains which have edible berries when fully ripe.[2] The plant has a long history of medicinal usage, dating back to ancient Greece. In India, the berries are casually grown and eaten; but not cultivated for commercial use. In Tamil, the berries are called மணத்தக்காளி - manathakkaali, or "fragrant tomato".
In Ethiopia, the ripe berries are picked and eaten by children in normal times, while during famines all affected people would eat berries. In addition the leaves are collected by women and children, who cook the leaves in salty water and consumed like any other vegetable. Farmers in the Konso Special Woreda report that because S. nigrum matures before the maize is ready for harvesting, it is used as a food source until their crops are ready.[3]
Black nightshade is a fairly common plant, found in many wooded areas, as well as disturbed habitats. It has a height of 30-120 cm (12-48"), leaves 4-7.5 cm (1 1/2-3") long; ovate to heart-shaped, with wavy or large-toothed edges. The flowers have petals greenish to whitish, recurved when aged and surround prominent bright yellow anthers. The fruits are oval black berries in small hanging clusters.
[edit] References
- ^ Arnold, M.D., Harry L. (1968). Poisonous Plants of Hawaii. Tokyo, Japan: Charles E. Tuttle Co., 55.
- ^ Nancy J Turner, Adam F Szczawinski, "Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America" p.128
- ^ "Wild Food" Plans with "Famine Foods" Components: Solanum nigrum (Famine Food Guide website)
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