3-84 Solanaceae, nightshade family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas E Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas E Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicot, nightshade family, Lycium, Solanum, Datura, Physalis, Nicandra, jimsonweed, Hyoscyamus, henbane, thornapple, matrimony vine, apple-of-Peru, ground-cherry, nightshade, bittersweet, poisonous plants.

Abstract

Nearly 2800 species are included in this family of familiar crops, found throughout the world. Cultivation is extensive in several genera, particularly the tomato, potato, tobacco and petunias. All species in Nova Scotia are Eurasian or South American introductions to our flora.

Typically leaves are alternate and the five-merous perfect flowers are arranged in cymes. Calyx is comprised of five persistent sepals. Corollas may be round or tubular, bearing the stamens alternately with the corolla lobes. Ovary is bilocular and superior. Fruits are capsules or berries. Use of images granted by Ruth Newell, Martin Thomas, and Sean Blaney.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas E Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor