Contents
Description
Solanum Opacum is a species of flowering plant in the Nightshade family (Solanaceae) native to South America. It is commonly known as the “glossy nightshade” or “shiny-leaved nightshade” due to its shiny, dark green leaves. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and has small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in the summer. The fruit is a small, round berry that is initially green but turns black when ripe.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum Opacum |
Appearance
Solanum Opacum has shiny, dark green leaves that are oval in shape and grow up to 3 inches long. The plant itself can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a bushy appearance. It produces small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in the summer and are followed by small green fruits that turn black when ripe. The fruit is a berry that is about 1/4 inch in diameter and contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Solanum Opacum is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant Solanum Opacum in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Solanum Opacum grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Solanum Opacum is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.- Whiteflies: These small, white insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control whiteflies.- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. There is no cure for this disease, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
Solanum Opacum is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Solanum Opacum toxic?
A: Yes, Solanum Opacum is toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Q: Can Solanum Opacum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Solanum Opacum can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.
Q: How often should Solanum Opacum be fertilized?
A: Solanum Opacum should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Solanum Opacum?
A: Solanum Opacum grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Solanum Opacum:- Solanum dulcamara (bittersweet nightshade)- Solanum nigrum (black nightshade)- Solanum lycopersicum (tomato)- Solanum melongena (eggplant)
References
– “Solanum Opacum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d859.- “Solanum Opacum.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:809314-1.
