Solanum betaceum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its range includes the territory of Great Britain. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found within the Netherlands. Its distribution extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically spanning the countries of Portugal and Spain. Finally, the plant is also established in Southeastern Europe within Italy.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Solanum betaeceum is characterized by its presence within the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial), an environment defined by high humidity and consistent precipitation. This species exhibits a significant altitudinal distribution, spanning a wide range of elevations that allow it to inhabit diverse montane microclimates. It is found at altitudes starting from a minimum of 500 m AMSL, reaching a mean elevation of approximately 1400 m AMSL, and extending up to a maximum elevation of 3000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

500 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Solanum betaeceum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically categorized under the life form of phanerophyte, which indicates that its perennating buds are elevated above the ground surface. In terms of its foliage and seasonal adaptation, the plant maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its photosynthetic structures remain functional throughout its life cycle.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Solanum betaeceum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a tree. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte. In terms of structural habit, the plant is categorized as self-supporting, lacking the climbing mechanisms associated with lianas or vines. The stature of the plant is significant, with a height that varies between a minimum of 3 m and a maximum of 7 m, resulting in a mean plant height of approximately 3.64 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Plant height mean:

3.643013899 m

Plant height min:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Solanum betaeceum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic approach to carbon fixation and energy production. The plant's vegetative development is closely tied to its foliar dimensions, where the leaves exhibit significant morphological variability. The leaf length typically maintains a mean of 10 cm, with individual measurements ranging from a minimum of 5 cm to a maximum of 24 cm. Correspondingly, the leaf width shows a broad range, starting from a minimum of 5 cm and reaching a mean of 7.75 cm, though it can expand to a maximum width of 35 cm. In terms of nutrient cycling, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available soil nitrates and ammonium rather than symbiotic nitrogen fixation to meet its physiological nitrogen requirements.

Leaf length max:

24 cm

Leaf length mean:

10 cm

Leaf length min:

5 cm

Leaf width max:

35 cm

Leaf width mean:

7.75 cm

Leaf width min:

5 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Solanum betaeceum is characterized by a complex biological cycle involving specific pollination and dispersal mechanisms. The plant utilizes an insect-based pollination syndrome to facilitate fertilization, and it is capable of self-fertilization. Once fertilized, the plant develops a berry-type fruit that is indehiscent, meaning it does not split open at maturity to release its contents. These berries vary in size, with a mean fruit length of 6 cm, ranging from a minimum of 5 cm to a maximum of 7 cm. Within these fruits, the seeds are produced with a mean mass of approximately 0.005183333 g, with individual seed masses fluctuating between a minimum of 0.00417 g and a maximum of 0.00569 g. For the spread of its progeny, the plant employs a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, specifically utilizing endozoochory, where seeds are dispersed through the internal passage of animals.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Fruit length max:

7 cm

Fruit length mean:

6 cm

Fruit length min:

5 cm

Fruit type :

berry

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Seed mass max:

0.00569 g

Seed mass mean:

0.005183333 g

Seed mass min:

0.00417 g

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Solanum betaceum has 23 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthocyanins, Ash, CALCIUM, FAT, IRON.

Anthocyanins

1. Dr. Duke

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

IRON

1. Dr. Duke

Lutein

1. Dr. Duke

Malvidin 3-diglucoside

1. Dr. Duke

Nitrogen

1. Dr. Duke

PHOSPHORUS

1. Dr. Duke

STARCH

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Solanum betaceum has 254 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Absorbent, Acidulant, Aggregant, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic.

Absorbent

1. Dr. Duke

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Aggregant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic?

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

AntiAGE

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCFS

1. Dr. Duke