Solanum lasiocarpum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found specifically in the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its distribution extends into Eastern Asia, where it is documented in Taiwan. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species is native to the region of Assam. Additionally, the plant is also found growing within the borders of Bangladesh.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Solanum lasiocarpum is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. Depending on environmental conditions and resource availability, its development can exhibit variable growth patterns, occasionally manifesting characteristics consistent with annual or biennial cycles. The plant undergoes a continuous cycle of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, establishing a robust presence through its perennial lifecycle which enables it to withstand fluctuations in its habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Solanum lasiocarpum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a self-supporting shrub. This terrestrial plant typically reaches a mean height of 1.5 m, though its maximum height is recorded at approximately 1 m. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The structure is robust and self-supporting rather than acting as a liana, vine, or climber, establishing a stable, woody presence in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Solanum lasiocarpum is characterized by specialized metabolic and structural adaptations suited to its specific environmental niche. Regarding its water storage capabilities, the plant does not exhibit succulence, as it lacks the specialized fleshy tissues required for significant internal water sequestration, relying instead on other mechanisms to manage hydration. In terms of nutrient acquisition, the species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it does not possess a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms; instead, it derives its nitrogen requirements through the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil via its root system. Its physiological processes are primarily driven by standard photosynthetic pathways and mineral absorption patterns typical of the Solanaceae family.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Succulence :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Solanum lasiocarpum is characterized by specific biological mechanisms governing its pollination and seed distribution. Regarding its reproductive strategy, self-fertilization is present, allowing the plant to ensure seed production even in the absence of external pollinators. Once the seeds have matured, the dispersal syndrome is categorized as anemochorous, meaning the plant utilizes wind as the primary medium for the transport of its reproductive units to new locations.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Solanum lasiocarpum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit.

Fruit

1. Frontiers in plant science

Conditions

Solanum lasiocarpum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus

1. Frontiers in plant science