Solanum douglasii

Solanum douglasii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Species:
S. douglasii
Binomial name
Solanum douglasii

Solanum douglasii is a North American species of plant in the family Solanaceae known by the common name greenspot nightshade.[1]

Description

Solanum douglasii is a perennial herb or subshrub approaching 2 metres (6+1⁄2 ft) in maximum height. The stem is coated in short, white hairs. The leaves may be up to 9 centimetres (3+1⁄2 in) long and have smooth or toothed edges.[2]

The inflorescence is an umbel-shaped array of flowers with star-shaped white corollas up to a centimeter wide. There are generally green spots at the bases of the corolla lobes. The yellow anthers are a few millimeters in length. Flowers may be seen blooming throughout much of the year.[2]

The fruit is a spherical black berry up to 1 cm (1⁄2 in) wide.[2][3]

Distribution and habitat

It is native to the northern half of Mexico and the southwestern south-central United States. Its habitat includes scrub and woodland.[2]

Uses

Many species in the genus are toxic.[2] Native Americans used the juice of the berries medicinally, and the Luiseño used it as dye for tattooing.[4]

References

  1. ↑ NRCS. "Solanum douglasii". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Jepson Manual Treatment
  3. ↑ Turner, Mark; Kuhlmann, Ellen (2014). Trees & Shrubs of the Pacific Northwest (1st ed.). Portland, OR: Timber Press. p. 292. ISBN 978-1-60469-263-1.
  4. ↑ Ethnobotany


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