Sticky Nightshade Solanum sisymbriifolium

Names

• Family

  Solanaceae.

• Synonyms

  Sticky Nightshade, Litchi Tomato, Morelle De Balbis, Fire And Ice Plant, Red Buffalo-Bur.

• Common names

  Solanum balbisii, Solanum ciliare, Solanum ciliatum, Solanum lacerum, Solanum lycopersicoides, Solanum morongii, Solanum pyracanthon, Solanum sisymbriifolium var. ciliatum, Solanum sisymbriifolium var. normale, Solanum sisymbriifolium var. subinerme, Solanum validum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Solanum sisymbriifolium, commonly known as the sticky nightshade, is a member of the Solanaceae family, which includes some plants that are known to be toxic to humans. The toxicity of sticky nightshade to humans primarily arises from the presence of solanine, a glycoalkaloid that can be found in the plant. Ingesting parts of the plant, especially in large quantities, can lead to solanine poisoning. The symptoms of poisoning from solanine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, it may cause neurological problems like ataxia or even respiratory failure. Consumption of the berries, leaves, or any other part of the plant can result in these toxic effects. It is therefore advised to avoid eating any part of the sticky nightshade plant.

• To pets

  The sticky nightshade is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. As with humans, the presence of solanine in Solanum sisymbriifolium can cause toxicity. Symptoms of solanine poisoning in pets can include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as more severe signs like lethargy, weakness, confusion, and in extreme cases, seizures or respiratory problems. Ingestion of the leaves, stems, or berries of the plant can lead to these symptoms, and therefore any exposure to sticky nightshade should prompt concern and potentially a visit to a veterinarian for pets exhibiting signs of poisoning. It's important to keep pets away from this plant due to its potential toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  Varies

• Native area

  South America

General Benefits

• Trap crop for nematodes: Solanum sisymbriifolium, commonly known as the sticky nightshade, can attract and trap nematodes, reducing their numbers in the soil and preventing them from damaging other crops.
• Improves soil health: Its cultivation can improve soil texture and structure due to its deep roots, which helps to prevent soil erosion.
• Green manure: The plant can be used as green manure, providing nutrients like nitrogen when plowed back into the soil.
• Companion planting: It can be beneficial as a companion plant, potentially deterring pests from more valuable crops with its thorny stems and foliage.
• Edible uses: Some parts of the plant, like the fruit, are consumed in certain cultures after proper preparations to remove toxicity.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Solanum sisymbriifolium, commonly known as the sticky nightshade, is utilized as a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes, luring these pests away from the actual potato crops.
• In some regions, farmers grow sticky nightshade as a living barrier to protect other crops from animals due to its thorny nature.
• Sticky nightshade berries are sometimes used to make a brightly colored dye for textiles, despite the plant's toxicity.
• Due to its fast-growing and dense foliage, sticky nightshade can be used as a temporary hedge or screen in agricultural settings.
• Agriculturalists utilize sticky nightshade in crop rotation to improve soil health and reduce pest populations without chemical interventions.
• The thorny branches of sticky nightshade are sometimes used as a natural protective layer over roofs in rural constructions to deter animals.
• In some cultures, sticky nightshade is planted around beehives to enhance the defense against honey predators due to its prickly stems.
• The fibrous material from the stems of sticky nightshade has been used in traditional craftsmanship for making rough-textured items such as ropes or mats.
• Farmers may employ sticky nightshade to reclaim nutrient-poor soils as it is known for its ability to survive in difficult conditions and enrich the soil.
• Sticky nightshade's dense growth can be employed to prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Feng Shui

The Litchi Tomato is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Litchi Tomato is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Litchi Tomato - Protection: Solanum sisymbriifolium, also known as the litchi tomato, features sharp spines on its stem and leaves, which symbolize protection. It has developed these features as a natural defense mechanism to ward off predators, making it symbolically linked to safeguarding and defense.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The litchi tomato can grow in poor soil conditions and harsh climates, symbolizing the ability to withstand difficult circumstances and adapt to one's environment.
• Contradiction and Surprise: With its spiny appearance and delicious fruit, the litchi tomato represents the juxtaposition of danger and reward, mirroring the contradictory facets of life.