Solanaceae

Solanaceae is a family of flowering plants, many of which are edible, while others are considered poisonous. The family is informally known as the nightshade or potato family. The family includes the Datura or Jimson weed, eggplant, mandrake, deadly nightshade or belladonna, capsicum (paprika, chili pepper), potato, tobacco, tomato, and petunia. The Solanaceae family has a cosmopolitan distribution, being present on all continents except Antarctica.

Description[edit | edit source]

The Solanaceae are mostly herbs and shrubs, and a few trees and vines, usually with a slightly disagreeable odor. The leaves are alternate, often with the lower ones paired. The flowers are actinomorphic and hermaphrodite. The fruit is usually a berry or a capsule.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The Solanaceae family is a part of the order Solanales, in the asterid group and class Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons). The family was first described by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in 1789. The name of the family comes from the genus Solanum "the nightshade plant". The etymology of the Latin word is unclear. The name may come from a perceived resemblance of certain solanaceous flowers to the sun and its rays.

Economic importance[edit | edit source]

Many members of the Solanaceae family are widely used by humans and are important sources of food, spice and medicine. However, Solanaceae species are often rich in alkaloids whose toxicity to humans and animals ranges from mildly irritating to fatal in small quantities.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Solanaceae Source - A comprehensive data source for the nightshade family

Solanaceae Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.