Solanaceae

Family of flowering plants

Brugmansia, a member of the Solanaceae family

The Solanaceae, commonly known as the nightshade family, is a family of flowering plants that includes a number of important agricultural crops, medicinal plants, spices, weeds, and ornamentals. The family is informally known as the "potato family" or "nightshade family". Members of the family are characterized by their alternate leaves, five-petaled flowers, and often berry-like fruits.

Description

The Solanaceae family is diverse, with species ranging from annual and perennial herbaceous plants to shrubs, vines, and trees. The leaves are usually alternate and can be simple or compound. The flowers are typically actinomorphic (radially symmetrical) and have five petals, which are often fused. The androecium usually consists of five stamens, and the gynoecium is typically bicarpellate, forming a superior ovary.

Various Solanum species

The fruit of Solanaceae can be a berry or a capsule. Many species contain alkaloids, which can be toxic or have medicinal properties. The family includes a number of economically important species, such as the potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), and chili pepper (Capsicum spp.).

Distribution

Solanaceae are found on all continents except Antarctica, with the greatest diversity in Central and South America. The family includes approximately 98 genera and some 2,700 species. The plants are adapted to a wide range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to deserts.

Economic Importance

The Solanaceae family includes several important food crops. The potato is one of the world's most important staple foods. Tomatoes are widely used in cooking and are a major source of lycopene, an antioxidant. Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are used as vegetables and spices. The eggplant is a common ingredient in many cuisines.

Illustration of Solanum dulcamara

In addition to food crops, the family includes plants with medicinal properties, such as belladonna (Atropa belladonna) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Some species are grown as ornamental plants, such as petunia (Petunia spp.) and Brugmansia.

Toxicity

Many members of the Solanaceae family contain alkaloids that can be toxic to humans and animals. For example, belladonna contains atropine, which can cause hallucinations and delirium. Tobacco contains nicotine, a potent neurotoxin. However, these compounds can also have medicinal uses in controlled doses.

Floral Structure

The flowers of Solanaceae are typically pentamerous, with five sepals, five petals, and five stamens. The petals are often fused into a corolla tube. The ovary is superior and usually consists of two fused carpels.

Floral diagram of Solanum tuberosum

Notable Genera

• Solanum - Includes potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants.
• Capsicum - Includes chili peppers and bell peppers.
• Nicotiana - Includes tobacco.
• Petunia - Popular ornamental plants.
• Brugmansia - Known for their large, fragrant flowers.

Related Pages

• List of plants in the family Solanaceae
• Alkaloid
• Flowering plant
• Agricultural crop

Cestrum elegans, an ornamental plant in the Solanaceae family

Gallery

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  Browallia americana, the Amethyst Flower
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  Streptosolen jamesonii showing stigma and stamens
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  Salpiglossis sinuata flower