Description

A perennial vine cultivated as an ornamental and often found growing in moist gullies and clearings near residential areas.

The flowers occur in pendant clusters. Flowers are star-shaped, 2–3cm in diameter, blue to purple, with a tuft of yellow stamens in the centre.

The leaves are alternating on the stem, 13cm long and 11cm wide, and deeply divided into three to nine irregularly shaped segments.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

Symptoms

All parts of the plant are poisonous. The leaves and fruit may cause gastro-intestinal irritation, nausea and diarrhoea.

Images

Brazilian nightshade flowers
Photo by Mary Louden
Brazilian nightshade berries
Photo by Mary Louden

Details

Common name: Brazilian nightshade

Botanical nameSolanum seaforthianum

Other common names: –

Family: Solanaceae

General description: A perennial vine cultivated as an ornamental and often found growing in moist gullies and clearings near residential areas.

Flowers: The flowers occur in pendant clusters. Flowers are star-shaped, 2–3cm in diameter, blue to purple, with a tuft of yellow stamens in the centre.

Leaves: The leaves are alternating on the stem, 13cm long and 11cm wide, and deeply divided into three to nine irregularly shaped segments.

Fruit/Berries: Fruit are globular, succulent, shiny berries, bright red to scarlet when ripe, about 1cm in diameter with numerous seeds inside.

Other: The sap is clear.