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Solanum nigrum L. ssp. nigrum
It is fairly common herb or short-lived perennial shrub, found in many wooded areas, as well as disturbed habitats. It has a height of 30 - 120 cm, leaves 4 - 7.5 cm long and 2 - 5 cm wide; ovate to heart-shaped, with wavy or large-toothed edges; both surfaces hairy or hairless; petiole 1 - 3 cm long with a winged upper portion. The flowers have petals greenish to whitish, recurved when aged and surround prominent bright yellow anthers. The berry is mostly 6 to 8 mm diam., dull black or purple-black. In India, another strain is found with berries that turn red when ripe.
It is native to Eurasia and introduced in the Americas, Australasia and South Africa.
Other names: black nightshade, Duscle, Garden Nightshade, Hound's Berry, Petty Morel, Wonder Berry, Small-fruited black nightshade or popolo. Parts of this plant can be highly toxic to livestock and humans, and it's considered a weed. Nonetheless, ripe berries and cooked leaves of edible strains are used as food in some locales; and plant parts are used as a traditional medicine.
Spotted on May 28, 2013
Submitted on May 28, 2013
