The nightshades (Solanaceae) contain over 95 genera and more than 3.000 species. The family is particularly widespread in South and Central America. The Solanaceae are very diverse and include shrubs as well as annual herbs and they can be found from deserts to rainforests.
The family is one of the most important plant families for humans. It includes many well-known utility crops such as potatoes, aubergines, peppers and tomatoes. Other well-known plants are the common tobacco plant and Petunia which is grown as an ornamental plant. This family also contains many poisonous plants such as the black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), which can be partly used as a medicine. The genus Solanum (nightshade) owes its name to this species. The name Solanum probably comes from the Latin Solari, which can be translated as soothing or anesthetic. The word night can refer to evening because several flowers from this family only give off a strong scent towards night.
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Image of Cestrum elegans by Boyker V.
On this map you find all the locations of transcribed records of the project "Solanaceae (I)".
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