Witheringia solanacea

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A short weak shrub. It grows 5 m tall. The leaves are in pairs. They are soft and hairy. The flowers are yellow-green with darker green spots in the lower parts. The fruit are bright red. They are 7-12 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows between 600-1,500 m altitude in pastures and along roadsides.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Brazil, Guiana, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The tubers are eaten. The young leaves are voiled with salt.

Edible parts

Tubers, root, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hierba mora, Hierbamora cimarrona

Synonyms

Bassovia solanacea Benth.; Solanum peckii S. F. Blake; and others