Solanaceous

Solanaceous is an adjective referring to the Solanaceae, a large and diverse family of flowering plants commonly called the nightshades. The group comprises about 90 to 100 genera and around 2,700 species, distributed across many regions of the world from tropical to temperate zones. Members range from herbaceous plants to shrubs and climbers, with many cultivated for food, ornament, or medicinal uses.

Morphology and characteristics commonly found in solanaceous plants include alternate leaves, often with hair or glandular features; flowers with five fused petals forming a tube or funnel-shaped corolla; and a central arrangement of reproductive organs. The ovary is typically inferior, and fruit are commonly berries (as in tomato, eggplant, and peppers) or capsules (as in some Datura and Atropa species). The family is notable for producing a variety of alkaloids, some of which are toxic or pharmacologically active.

Economic and ecological significance is high. Edible and widely grown solanaceous crops include tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), and peppers (Capsicum spp.). Capsicum is a major genus within the family, as is Solanum. Other members, such as Nicotiana (tobacco) and Atropa or Datura, are important for their alkaloids, which have had historical and contemporary medical or toxicological roles. Many ornamental solanaceous species are valued for their flowers or foliage.

The term solanaceous is used to describe plants belonging to the Solanaceae or traits characteristic of the family.