Nicandra
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| Nicandra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Nicandra Schreb. |
| Species: | N. physalodes |
| Binomial name | |
| Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn. | |
Nicandra physaloides - MHNT
Nicandra is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family containing the single species Nicandra physalodes. It is known by the common names Apple of Peru and shoo-fly plant. It is native to Peru, and it is known elsewhere as an introduced species and sometimes a weed. It is also kept as an ornamental plant.
Plants grow to 1 metre tall and are vigorous with spreading branches and ovate, mid-green, toothed and waved leaves. The flowers are bell-shaped and 5 centimeters or more across, pale violet with white throats. The flower becomes lantern-like towards the end of its bloom. The plant is thought to have insect repellent properties.[1]
The genus is named for Greek poet Nicander, who wrote about plants.[2]
References
External links
Media related to Nicandra physalodes at Wikimedia Commons- USDA Plants Profile
- GRIN Species Profile
- Photo gallery
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