TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


Pictogram Guide · Mouse over pictogram for definition

Solanum sisymbriifolium, Solanum balbisii, Sticky Nightshade, Litchi Tomato, Morelle de Balbis. Immature fruit hidden in a spiny husk
Immature fruit hidden in a spiny husk

Solanum sisymbriifolium, Solanum balbisii

Sticky Nightshade, Litchi Tomato, Morelle de Balbis
Family: Solanaceae
Origin: South America
USDA Zone: 6-11?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterBlue, lavender, purple flowersWhite, off-white flowersPink flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantIrritating plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

Solanum sisymbriifolium, commonly known as Sticky Nightshade, is a small plant native to South America. It is known for its irritating, prickly foliage and bright, colorful flowers. It can grow as tall as 2-5 feet, depending on how it is cared for.

The Sticky Nightshade thrives in full or semi-shade sunlight, and it requires regular to moderate water. When it is in bloom, it produces a variety of flower colors, including pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender, and purple. All of the flowers have the same basic shape, each with five petals and a yellow center.

When caring for this plant in a pot, it should be given special attention in cold regions. The mature plant is known to be cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time. If the temperature drops below this level, the plants should be brought indoors until the weather warms back up.

The Sticky Nightshade is also known for its edible fruits which are often used in cooking, although it does produce irritating sap when handled. These small and round fruits are red on the outside with a yellow center that bursts open when ripe and fully ready to be harvested. It is known to produce over a hundred of these fruits in a single season, and they are known to contain vitamins A and C along with other healthy benefits.

In conclusion, the Sticky Nightshade is a small, vibrant plant that is native to South America. It's easy to care for, producing an abundance of colorful flowers and edible fruits. It requires regular to moderate water and semi-shade sunlight, and in cold regions, it should be brought inside during extreme temperatures to ensure it is not damaged.


Similar plants:

More similar plants




Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/solanum_sisymbriifolium.htm