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Description
Solanum Aculeatissimum, also known as the prickly nightshade, is a species of flowering plant in the family Solanaceae. It is a shrub that is native to Africa and Madagascar. The plant has prickly stems and leaves, and produces small, white flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a small, round berry that turns from green to yellow when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Appearance
The shrub can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate, and deeply lobed. They are covered in prickles, which can make them difficult to handle. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a small, round berry that turns from green to yellow when ripe. The plant has a bushy appearance and can be used as a hedge or barrier plant.
Care Guide
Water: Solanum Aculeatissimum requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Solanum Aculeatissimum can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Solanum Aculeatissimum is prone to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. It is also susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Habitat
Solanum Aculeatissimum is native to Africa and Madagascar, and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and grasslands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Solanum Aculeatissimum toxic?
A: Yes, Solanum Aculeatissimum is toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Q: Can Solanum Aculeatissimum be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Solanum Aculeatissimum can be grown in a container as long as it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size.
Q: How often should Solanum Aculeatissimum be pruned?
A: Solanum Aculeatissimum should be pruned in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can Solanum Aculeatissimum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Solanum Aculeatissimum can be propagated from cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
- Solanum dulcamara
- Solanum nigrum
- Solanum melongena
- Solanum lycopersicum
References
- “Solanum Aculeatissimum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286898.
- “Solanum Aculeatissimum.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed September 1, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/solanum-aculeatissimum.
