Solanum asperolanatum

Solanum asperolanatum, commonly known as the prickly nightshade, is a distinctive shrub native to Australia. Characterized by its woody stems and prickly foliage, this medicinal plant has been traditionally utilized by Indigenous communities. It holds significant ethnobotanical importance, offering potential insights into various therapeutic applications and pharmacological properties.

  • Scientific name: Solanum asperolanatum
  • Family: Solanaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae, it is classified under the genus Solanum. As a member of the Solanum genus, Solanum asperolanatum represents a specific branch of this diverse medicinal group.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Solanales WCVP
Family Solanaceae WCVP
Genus Solanum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Solanum asperolanatum, is known by various regional names depending on the local language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the prickly nightshade, while in Spanish, it is known as la mora de monte. In the local context of certain regions, it may also be called la mora silvestre.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a remarkably broad and fragmented geographical distribution across several different continents. In the Atlantic, it can be found within the Macaronesian archipelago, specifically in the Azores. Its presence extends to the Southern Hemisphere, where it inhabits the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa and the state of Queensland in Australia. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent, with established populations in India. Finally, its range reaches the Americas, specifically within the central regions of Mexico.

Region Area Source
Macaronesia Azores WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Australia Queensland WCVP
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Guatemala WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Solanum asperolanatum, possesses distinct morphological characteristics, most notably its large, textured leaves. These leaves are typically broad and ovate in shape, often featuring a somewhat hairy or scabrous surface that distinguishes them from other species in the Solanum genus. In traditional medicinal contexts, the leaves are often the primary focus for study due to their specific chemical compositions and potential therapeutic properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Solanum asperolanatum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimycotic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimycotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆