Orinoco-apple

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Orinoco-apple
• peach-tomato

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Solanum sessiliflorum var. georgicum
• Solanum alibile
• Solanum arecunarum
• Solanum topiro
• Solanum georgicum
• Solanum topiro var. georgicum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Solanales, falling into the family Solanaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Solanum and the specific species Solanum sessiliflorum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across parts of Central and South America. In Central America, it can be found growing in the countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panamá. Its range extends southward into Northern South America as well. Specifically, it inhabits the tropical regions of French Guiana and Suriname. Together, these locations define the known geographical footprint of Solanum sessiliflorum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Solanum sessiliflorum is characterized by its preference for specific lowland tropical environments, specifically within the Floresta de Terra Firme habitat. This species thrives in these non-flooded forest ecosystems, maintaining a distinct elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme

Life history

The life history of Solanum sessiliflorum is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it maintains a long-term presence in its ecological niche, often developing robust root systems or woody structures that allow it to survive periods of dormancy or unfavorable environmental conditions. This perennial lifecycle enables the plant to accumulate resources over time, supporting repeated reproductive efforts across various years, which contributes to its long-term stability and persistence within its native habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Solanum sessiliflorum is characterized by a shrubby growth form that reaches a mean plant height of approximately 1.5 m. It is a woody, terrestrial plant that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is classified as self-supporting, meaning it does not require external climbing structures like lianas or vines to maintain its upright posture.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Solanum sessiliflorum is characterized by complex metabolic pathways typical of the Solanaceae family, focusing on efficient nutrient uptake and specialized secondary metabolite synthesis. Its nitrogen metabolism is strictly dependent on soil availability, as the plant is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with rhizobia or other diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological growth patterns are heavily influenced by the concentration of nitrates and ammonium in the substrate. The plant utilizes active transport mechanisms across root cell membranes to acquire essential minerals, which are then translocated through the xylem to support photosynthetic processes in the foliage. Furthermore, its physiological profile includes the production of specific alkaloids and glycosides, which serve as chemical defense mechanisms to regulate herbivory and respond to environmental stressors.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Solanum sessiliflorum is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying primarily on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Specifically, the plant utilizes an insect-mediated pollination mechanism, where various insect species act as the primary vectors for genetic exchange. Within this reproductive framework, self-fertilization is present, allowing the plant to ensure seed production even in the absence of diverse pollinators. This combination of biotic interaction and the capacity for self-fertilization provides a robust reproductive strategy for the species.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Solanum sessiliflorum has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CALCIUM, IRON, PHOSPHORUS, Tannin, beta-carotene.

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

IRON

1. Dr. Duke

PHOSPHORUS

1. Dr. Duke

Tannin

1. Dr. Duke

beta-carotene

1. Dr. Duke

citric acid

1. Dr. Duke

niacin

1. Dr. Duke

solasodine

1. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

thiamin

1. Dr. Duke

water

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Solanum sessiliflorum has 184 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Allergenic, Alpha-Amylase-Inhibitor, Analgesic, Androgenic?, Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker.

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Amylase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic?

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

AntiLyme

1. Dr. Duke

AntiMeniere's

1. Dr. Duke

AntiPMS

1. Dr. Duke

Conditions

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

Metabolic syndrome

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)