Solanum paludosum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Solanum epibyssinum
• Solanum salzmannii

Sources: Wikidata

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, it is classified under the family Solanaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Solanum as the species Solanum paludosum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found across the northern regions of South America. Specifically, its range includes the territories of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. It also extends into the nation of Venezuela, covering a significant portion of the northern landscape. Furthermore, the species can be located within Brazil, specifically in the Northeast region. Consequently, its distribution is concentrated within these tropical northern latitudes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Solanum paludosum is characterized by its specialized adaptation to distinct and often challenging Brazilian ecosystems, specifically occupying the Caatinga (strictu sensu) and Restinga environments. In the Caatinga, it thrives within semi-arid conditions, demonstrating resilience to seasonal drought and high solar radiation typical of this xeric shrubland. Concurrently, its presence in Restinga habitats indicates an ability to tolerate sandy, nutrient-poor soils and the saline influence of coastal ecosystems. This dual habitat distribution suggests a versatile ecological strategy that allows the species to navigate both the moisture-stressed landscapes of the interior and the coastal, well-drained sandy terrains of the littoral zones.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Restinga

Morphology

The morphology of Solanum paludosum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a shrub. It is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing behavior, such as liana or vine habits, nor does it act as an obligatory or facultative climber. Regarding its ecological positioning, the species is terrestrial, meaning it does not function as an epiphyte (whether holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or otherwise) and is not an aquatic or semiaquatic organism. Furthermore, the plant is an independent organism, showing no parasitic traits, and its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Solanum paludosum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation process and metabolic efficiency. In this pathway, the initial fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide occurs via the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), resulting in the direct production of a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate. This metabolic strategy implies that the plant's gas exchange and energy production are highly dependent on stomatal conductance and environmental humidity, as the C3 mechanism is susceptible to photorespiration when stomata close under water stress. Consequently, its physiological adaptations for managing transpiration and maintaining photosynthetic rates are closely linked to the availability of moisture in its specific ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Solanum paludosum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Tomatidenol, solasodine.

Tomatidenol

1. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

solasodine

1. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Conditions

Solanum paludosum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer.

Cancer

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine