Question

What are nightshade vegetables?

Answer 1

Plants serve various economical functions. The Solanaceae family includes economically important plants like potato, tomato, brinjal, pepper etc. Some species in Solanaceae family contain a small number of alkaloids.

Complete answer:
As discussed, Solanaceae is a large family, also called the potato family. Plants like potato, tomato, pepper, ashwagandha, petunis etc belong to this family. It is widely distributed in the tropics, sub-tropics and temperate zones.

Members of the Solanaceae family contain a small number of alkaloids. This is why they are called Nightshade vegetables. Alkaloid is a chemical found in plants; it contains nitrogen and affects the human body from a medicinal perspective. Plant-based medicines that contain alkaloids are- Morphine and Quinine. Some alkaloids have positive effects on human health, while others can affect them negatively. Tobacco is a nightshade plant. The alkaloid found in tobacco can cause cancer. Another alkaloid found in nightshades is solanine, functioning as an insecticide while the plant is growing.

Additional Information: Vegetative and floral characters of Solanaceae or Nightshade family
- They have an herbaceous, aerial stem, which is erect, cylindrical, and branched. It may be solid or hollow. Potato has an underground stem.
- Leaves are alternate and simple, having reticulate venation.
- They may have solitary, axillary or cymose inflorescence.
- Flower is bisexual, actinomorphic.
- Five sepals are present having valvate aestivation. They are united and persistent.
- Five united petals, having valvate aestivation
- Stamens are five in number and are attached to the petals (epipetalous).
- Syncarpous bicarpellary ovary. Axile placenta with numerous and swollen ovules.
- Fruit may be berry or capsule.
- Produce many endospermous seeds.

Note: Economic importance of Solanaceae
- Source of food: tomato, brinjal, potato
- Spice: chilli
- Medicine: belladonna, ashwagandha
- Fumigatory: tobacco
- Ornamental: petunia