Biology:Solanum abutiloides
| Solanum abutiloides | |
|---|---|
| |
| Blossoms and leaves | |
| |
| Fruits at different stages of ripeness | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Solanum |
| Species: | S. abutiloides
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| Binomial name | |
| Solanum abutiloides (Griseb.) Bitter & Lillo[1]: 136–137
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Solanum abutiloides is a species of plant in the family Solanaceae. It is endemic to Argentina and Bolivia, and thrives as a weedy plant in rocky land, on stream banks, and scrub land between 900–3600 metres (3000–11800 ft) in elevation. It is also known as dwarf tamarillo, due to superficial similarities with Solanum betaceum. Solanum abutiloides is also sometimes known by the archaic name Cyphomandra abutiloides.
Solanum abutiloides quickly matures into a shrub or small tree up to 9 m (30 ft) tall, though usually far smaller. The heart-shaped leaves have a distinctive and pungent smell.[2]: 546
Small flowers form on branches throughout the plant, and individual clusters of flowers can contain as many as 60 blooms. Blooms are followed by fruits—a small oblong berry that turns yellow-orange as it ripens. The berries are around 1 cm (0.39 in) (or slightly larger) in diameter. When unripe, the berries are mildly toxic (as are tamarillos), though they are edible upon ripening.
Distribution and habitat
The native range of Solanum abutiloides includes central and southern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina.[2]: 546 It has been found in the Canary Islands, and at a single location in Morocco, possibly as a result of seed deposition by fruit-eating birds migrating transoceanically.[2]: 546 It was introduced into Austria and Australia.[2]: 546
Uses
The fruits are edible, though Solanum abutiloides is rare in cultivation, and plants have not been bred for quality of flavor. Therefore, the fruit can often have an unpredictable or unpleasant flavor, and Solanum abutiloides is most often cultivated as an ornamental plant, as the clusters of ripe fruit are very decorative.
Similar to Solanaceae, pests like aphids, spider mites, and white flies are attracted to the trees.
Chemical constituents
The roots of Solanum abutiloides contain 7 cholestane-based steroidal glycosides known as abutilosides A through G.[3]: 556 They are proposed to be intermediates in biological pathways for the synthesis of alkaloids.[3]: 556
References
- ↑ "Solana nova vel minus cognita. XI.", Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 12: 136–162, 30 May 1913, http://www.botanicus.org/page/234327, retrieved 17 April 2011
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "New records of three alien Solanum species in Morocco", Check List 20 (2): 544–552, 2024-04-18, doi:10.15560/20.2.544, https://checklist.pensoft.net/article/119965/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Cholestane Glycosides from Solanum abutiloides. III", Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 48 (4): 556–558, 2000-04-01, doi:10.1248/cpb.48.556, PMID 10783078, https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb1958/48/4/48_4_556/_article/-char/en
External links
Wikidata ☰ Q148963 entry
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