Solanaceae
Solanum americanum
American Black Nightshade · Mnafu
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This small, upright herb produces clusters of white flowers followed by glossy, dark purple to black berries when mature. Its leaves are widely consumed as a nutritious leafy vegetable, making it a valuable addition to kitchen gardens.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a kitchen garden or an edible landscape bed, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, fertile soil. It can be planted relatively close for continuous leaf harvesting, fitting well into small spaces.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, it requires regular watering, particularly during dry seasons, to ensure continuous production of tender leaves. Exercise caution as unripe berries are poisonous; only consume ripe, black berries and cooked leaves.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.