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Description
Solanum Myriacanthum, also known as the prickly nightshade or the myriacanthum nightshade, is a plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to South America and can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. This plant is a perennial shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It has prickly stems and leaves, and produces small purple flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The fruit of Solanum Myriacanthum is a small green berry that turns yellow when it is ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Appearance
Solanum Myriacanthum has a unique appearance that makes it easily identifiable. It has prickly stems and leaves that are green in color. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape and can grow up to 15 cm in length. The flowers of this plant are small and star-shaped with purple petals. They bloom from summer to fall and are followed by small green berries that turn yellow when ripe. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has a bushy habit.
Care Guide
Taking care of Solanum Myriacanthum is relatively easy. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy: Water: This plant requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. Make sure the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Fertilization: Solanum Myriacanthum does not require frequent fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal. Sunlight: Solanum Myriacanthum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well. Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Solanum Myriacanthum is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues you may encounter: Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can occasionally attack this plant. You can control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Diseases: This plant may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. You can prevent these diseases by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.
Habitat
Solanum Myriacanthum is native to South America and can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It grows in a variety of habitats, including open fields, forests, and disturbed areas. This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Solanum Myriacanthum poisonous? A: Yes, all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Q: Can Solanum Myriacanthum be grown in containers? A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate its roots. Q: How often should Solanum Myriacanthum be fertilized? A: This plant only needs to be fertilized once a month during the growing season. Q: How do I propagate Solanum Myriacanthum? A: You can propagate this plant by taking stem cuttings in the spring or summer and rooting them in water or soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the Solanaceae family:- Solanum lycopersicum (tomato)- Solanum melongena (eggplant)- Solanum tuberosum (potato)- Capsicum annuum (bell pepper)- Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco)
References
– “Solanum myriacanthum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 28 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b478.- “Solanum myriacanthum.” PlantFiles. Accessed 28 May 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1369/.- “Solanum myriacanthum.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed 28 May 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=281377.
