Phureja, Nightshade

Solanum phureja

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Basic Information

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: solanum

Plant ID (slug): solanum-phureja

Numeric ID: 25528

USDA Hardiness: 8-11

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Solanum phureja is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Venezuela to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[177]. High in vitamin C, starch and protein, it has a stronger flavour and firmer texture than the cultivated potato, S. tuberosum[196].

Medicinal Uses

Vitamin C None known

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.