Solanum lyratum

Physical Characteristics

Solanum lyratum is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[177]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Cancer Depurative Febrifuge The whole plant is depurative and febrifuge[147]. A decoction is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea, abscesses, cancer of the oesophagus and stomach, enlarged thyroid glands etc[147, 218]. The leaves are boiled with the mother's milk in order to treat babies nausea[218]. The stems can be used as a medicine for treating convulsions in infants, whilst the branches and leaves are used for clearing away heat and cooling the blood[266].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many if not all the members have poisonous leaves and sometimes also the unripe fruits.