Definition

Noun: 1. A plant of the genus Solanum: Any of a large group of plants belonging to the genus Solanum, which includes many species that are poisonous, though some produce edible fruits. This is the primary botanical definition. 2. A poisonous plant: More generally, any of various often poisonous plants, especially those with dark berries, belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae).

Usage and Examples

• Referring to a specific poisonous plant:
  • Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) is one of the most toxic plants found in Europe.
  • The berries of the black nightshade can be toxic if eaten when unripe.
• Referring to the plant genus or family:
  • Tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants are all members of the nightshade family.
  • The genus Solanum contains over 1,500 species of nightshades.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• "Nightshade family" (Solanaceae): This term refers to the broader botanical family that includes not only the poisonous species but also important food crops like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. The edible parts of these cultivated plants have been selectively bred to be safe, while other parts (like potato leaves or green potato skins) may contain toxic alkaloids.
• Historical and Literary Context: "Nightshade" often carries connotations of poison, danger, and witchcraft in literature and history due to the toxicity of species like deadly nightshade (belladonna), which was historically used as a poison and in potions.

Variants and Related Words

• Deadly nightshade (n): The common name for , a highly toxic plant with purple bell-shaped flowers and shiny black berries.
• Enchanter's nightshade (n): A name for plants in the genus , which are unrelated to the nightshades and are not poisonous. This is an example of how common names can be misleading.
• Nightshade family (n): The common name for the Solanaceae family of flowering plants.

Synonyms

• Belladonna (specifically for )
• Solanum (the scientific genus name)

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Nightshade vegetable: A term used in dietary contexts to refer to the edible fruits and tubers from plants in the Solanaceae family (e.g., tomato, potato, eggplant, pepper). Some people may have sensitivities to alkaloids in these foods.

Noun

1. any of numerous shrubs or herbs or vines of the genus Solanum; most are poisonous though many bear edible fruit