Solanaceae
Solanum americanum
American Black Nightshade
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial typically grows up to 1.5 metres tall. It features thin, oval leaves that can be slightly purplish and small white or light purple flowers in umbel-like clusters. The flowers give way to shiny black or purplish-black berries, 5–10 millimetres in diameter, containing numerous small seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species is mainly found at low altitudes, often in coastal areas, preferring full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. In Kilifi, it can be grown in cultivated plots for its edible leaves (after proper preparation) or in restoration areas, but its weed potential necessitates careful management to prevent unwanted spread.
Growing notes
Growth is fast, with flowering occurring about two months after germination. The plant requires regular watering and does not tolerate drought once established. Caution is advised as all parts, particularly green berries and uncooked leaves, contain toxic glycoalkaloids; cooking leaves and discarding the water helps reduce toxicity.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, theferns.info, cabidigitallibrary.org, kew.org, envirde.com, infonet-biovision.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.