Sticky nightshade
Solanum sisymbriifolium

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A herb or small shrub. It grows 1-1.3 m high. The stems are 1-1.5 cm across. It has spines 1-1.3 mm long. The leaves are simple alternate. They are 20 cm long by 12 cm wide. The leaves have lobes. There are teeth along the edges. There are spines on the veins. The flowers are at the ends of branches. They occur singly. The fruit is round and 2 cm across. It is in a spiny case. This opens to reveal the red fruit.

There are about 1400 Solanum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Bolivia it grows up to 2500 m altitude. In Ecuador it grows between 2,000-3,000 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andes, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador (country/location of origin), Eswatini, India, Korea, Paraguay, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America (country/location of origin), Swaziland, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The fruit are sweet and eaten raw. They are probably best to be cooked. It is used for marmalades and jellies. CAUTION: There are some reports of poisoning children. The seeds are poisonous.

It is a cultivated plant. The fruit are enjoyed by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is used as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Espina colorada, Guinda pampa, Guindilla, Joa-das-taperas, Jua, Juciri, Jweelye, Mboi rembiu, Nuati pyta, Pocotillo, Puca-puca, Putui, Putuy, Quillo quillo, Revienta Caballo, Tomatillo, Toti'a, Toti'apintawa, Trnati paradižnik, Tutia, Viscid nightshade, Yag yemmek

Synonyms

Solanum balbisii G. Dunal; Solanum concisum Dunal; and many others