Contents
Description
Solanum Umbellatum, commonly known as blue witch, is a small shrub that grows up to 1.5m tall. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is native to South America. The plant has small blue flowers that bloom in clusters and produce small green fruits that turn yellow when ripe. The fruits are edible and have a slightly sweet taste. The leaves and fruits of the plant are used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Appearance
Solanum Umbellatum has a woody stem with small branches that grow in an upward direction. The leaves are oval-shaped, with a length of 2-5cm and a width of 1-3cm. The flowers are blue or violet and grow in clusters of 10-20 flowers. The fruits of the plant are small and green, turning yellow when ripe. The plant has a pleasant odor.
Care Guide
Solanum Umbellatum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. The plant should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season. The plant can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Solanum Umbellatum is susceptible to pests and diseases such as spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also vulnerable to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring good drainage and proper air circulation.
Habitat
Solanum Umbellatum is native to South America, where it grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant can be found in open fields, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant.
Question and Answer
Q1: Is Solanum Umbellatum poisonous?
A1: The plant is not toxic, and the fruits are edible.
Q2: How often should Solanum Umbellatum be fertilized?
A2: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q3: What are the medicinal uses of Solanum Umbellatum?
A3: The leaves and fruits of the plant are used for treating various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and pain.
Q4: Can Solanum Umbellatum be grown in containers?
A4: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has enough space and sunlight.
Related Plants
- Solanum Dulcamara
- Solanum Lycopersicum
- Solanum Melongena
References
- “Solanum umbellatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 26 July 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292191.
- “Solanum umbellatum.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 26 July 2021. powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:817894-1.
- “Blue Witch.” How To Care For Plants. Accessed 26 July 2021. www.howtocareforplants.com/blue-witch/.
