I was visiting a farm today on behalf of a new client and came across a 5′ bush in the nightshade family. The leaves are quite pungent in aroma, smelling rather like curry.
The flowers are the dead giveaway on the family. See how they look like tomato or eggplant blooms?
The fruit are also tomato or pepper-like, rather similar to Solanum nigrum,
The scent of the leaves is very good, though – they smell like something I’d want to add to a stir-fry. Since this is a family with poisonous members, I’ll pass until I get a solid ID. It’s a big bush, not a small plant. Small flowers, very pungent leaves that smell spicy. Any guesses are appreciated!
3 responses to “A Wild Solanaceae – Anyone Have an ID?”
Looks like huckleberry to me.
https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/378438/
Gotta make sure the berries are 100% ripe before eating, otherwise it’s toxic.
They occasionally pop up uninvited but not unwelcome in my garden.
I have a tropical solanum I acquired that was called Solanum umbellatum. I am not confident in the identity of this plant, but it also smells like curry leaf. I have been trying to find any information on solanums with this trait. So far nothing. Let me know if you find anything.
I looked up images – that is a beautiful plant. The curry scent is fascinating – I hope you find out more.