Black nightshade - Solanum nigrum

Common Name :	Black nightshade.
Binomial Name :	Solanum nigrum
Family :	Solanaceae
Bangla Name :	Makoi (মাকই)
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Solanum nigrum, commonly known as black nightshade, is a plant species belonging to the Solanaceae family. The name Solanum is derived from the Latin word "solamen," which means "soothing," while "nigrum" refers to its dark berries. Black nightshade is native to Eurasia, North Africa, and North America, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world and is considered an invasive species in some areas. It is a herbaceous annual or perennial plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height, and it has small white flowers that give way to black or dark purple berries. The plant has a long history of traditional medicinal uses, but it is also considered toxic and potentially harmful to humans and livestock if ingested in large quantities.

Black nightshed is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 1 meter tall. The stem of the plant is green or purplish, often with many branches, and can be either smooth or slightly hairy. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a slightly toothed margin. They are also dark green in color, with a slightly waxy surface and can be up to 8 cm long. The leaves are arranged along the stem and can be slightly hairy on the underside. Overall, the plant has a fairly typical herbaceous appearance, with green stems and leaves.

The flowers of Solanum nigrum are small and star-shaped, with five white or purple petals that are fused at the base. The flowers are usually about 1 cm in diameter and can be found singly or in clusters at the leaf axils. They typically bloom from mid-spring to early autumn. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, round berries that are initially green and turn black when they mature. The berries are about 1 cm in diameter and contain numerous small seeds.

This Black nightshade is a plant with a lot of traditional medicinal uses such as for pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, potential anti-cancer effects, treatment of respiratory infections, and wound healing. However, more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness as a medicinal herb.


Photos of these Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) were taken from Mymensingh Botanical Garden, Bangladesh. It was during March 2013.


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com