(sŏ-lā′nŭm)
[L. solanum, nightshade]
A large, diverse genus of flowering plants of the family Solanaceae, found worldwide. Most parts of most plants of the genus, esp. the green parts and unripe fruit, are poisonous to humans, e.g., the nightshades and horsenettles. Some species, e.g., the potato (S. tuberosum), tomato (S. lycopersicum), and eggplant (S. melongena), are very important food crops cultivated in many varieties. Many species are cultivated for their flowers and fruit, and some species are used in folk and alternative medicine.
SYN: SEE: nightshade
SEE: Solanaceae