Nightshade
The nightshades (Solanaceae) are a family of flowering plants.
| Solanaceae | |
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| A flowering Brugmansia x insignis from the US Botanic Garden | |
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| Family: | Solanaceae
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Many members of the family contain strong alkaloids, and some are very toxic. Well-known members of this family are chili peppers, petunias, deadly nightshade, mandrakes, potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines (eggplants) and tobacco.
Because it is thought that nightshades can cause or increase swelling and pain, many people do not eat them. The poisons in the plants are defence against animals that might eat them.
Nightshade Media
Illustration of Solanum dulcamara. 1. flower; 2. flower in longitudinal section, without the petals; 3. androecium; 4. ovary, in transverse section; 5. seed viewed from above; 6. seed in transverse section – note the curved embryo surrounding the endosperm; A. branch with leaves and flowers; B. stem with immature and mature fruit
Floral diagram of the potato (Solanum tuberosum), Legend: 1 = sepals 2 = petals 3 = stamens 4 = superior ovary
Antoine Laurent de Jussieu
Physalis infinemundi Wilf 1
Map showing the distribution of the Solanaceae throughout the world (light green areas)
Chemical structure of solanine
Chemical structure of the tropanes.
Chemical structure of nicotine.
Chemical structure of capsaicin
Pink, double-flowered Brugmansia cultivar
