The family Solanaceae It is one of the largest and largest plant families throughout our planet. More than 2,500 species belonging to this particular family have been discovered and are able to influence our lives in very different ways. And, although some of the most toxic and poisonous plants on the planet are included within the Solanaceae list, we also want to teach you what vegetables belong to the Solanáceas family. Yes, as you just read. Many of the vegetables that we eat daily and more regularly are solanáceas plants, such as potato or tomato. In addition, as a curiosity, the solanáceas are known in English as “Nightshades” which can be translated as “shadows of the night” and that has a meaning linked to a historical past of humanity when many of them were used to perform rituals.
So, if you want to know What are the soil and examples of thesewe invite you to continue reading a little more to know more about them and in passing review the types of solanáceas you already know and discover some new ones. Just at the end of this text you will find a list of several examples of edible and toxic solanats that we will group so that it is even easier to know its main characteristics.
What are the Solanáceas
Solanaceous plants They are a family that is within Angiosperms. These, usually, are usually either herbaceous or shrubs. Grouped into approximately 95 genres have been discovered More than 2,500 species different from this particular family. In addition, the Solanáceas have a wide distribution, both in tropical and warm and temperate and cold regions. However, most are grouped in the American continent and a few other through the area of Eurasia, Africa and Australia.
These plants, due to their wide variety, can be annual, biannual or perennial. Another common feature is that they usually have underground tubers. However, the most characteristic part of this family is its high content of own alkaloids that are harmful to health if these are at high levels.
However, the vast majority of Solanaceae are used for their multiple uses, some even pharmacists. The economic importance of these plants worldwide triggers when we think about removing foods such as potato, tomato or pepper from our diet. And in the same way, in some cases, stop producing cigarettes despite the contraindications of its consumption, since the tobacco plant is another belonging to this family.
Finally, we also want to highlight some plants in this family that despite not having these fruits so striking, they are highly valued for their beauty, such as the case of Petunias. And it is that all Solanáceas offer a gift in view in their flowering time. So for all this, either when you see them in your garden, your garden or within your home remember the importance of this family that lives with you in your day to day.
Characteristics of Solanáceas
These are the main characteristics of solanáceas plants:
- The leaves of most Solanáceas plants are simple and alternately arranged on the stem. In addition, they usually have lobed margins and in many cases with thorns.
- Solanáceas are hermaphrodite plants that present flowers both actinomorphs or zigomorphs, which are usually arranged, lonely in some specific species in the form of inflorescences, both axillary and terminal. The shape of these is usually bell.
- As for their fruits they are usually berries or drupas.
- The seeds are dicotyledons with a straight or curved embryo. In addition, in most species belonging to this family are polyploids.
- Its chemical composition includes alkaloids, such as atropine, hiosciamine or nicotine, common in many toxic species within the Solanaceae family.
- Solanáceas also contain other substances, such as capsaicin, an oleorresin that usually causes a slight irritating effect and spicy flavor, as in the case of Chile.
- Finally, they have Solanina. This toxic and bitter taste glycaloid is naturally found in the leaves, fruits and tubers of some edible soils. Hence it is not advisable to eat these vegetables if we see that after removing the skin the remaining layer is greenish. It can cause stomach problems and other serious symptoms to our body.
Examples of the solanáceas
To finish talking about this type of plants, here we leave several examples of solanáceas plants:
List of Edible Solanaceae
- Tomato (Solanum Licopersicum)
- Berenjena (Solanum Melongena)
- Chile (capsicum frutenscens)
- Pepper (capsicum annuum)
- Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
- Goji berries (Lycium barbarum)
Toxic Solanaceae List
- Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum)
- Devil’s grapes (Solanum Dulcamara)
- BELLADONA (atropa Belladona)
- Stramonium (Stramonium Datura)
- Mandragora (mandragora autumnalis)
- Beleño (Hyoscyamus niger)
Other plants of the Solanáceas family
- Angel trumpet (Brugmansia X Candida)
- Jasmine of Paraguay (Lycianthes Rantonnetii)
- Silvestre tobacco (Nicotiana Glauca)
- Tabaquillo (Solanum Mauritianum)
- Petunia (Petunia × Atkinsiana)
- Mullaca (Physalis Angulata)
Below you can see images of the Solanáceas plants in the order of these lists.
If you want to read more articles similar to Solanáceas: What are and exampleswe recommend that you enter our biology category.
