Solanaceae

The Solanaceae, or nightshades is one of the most important family of flowering plants.

• Meaning: The Solanum family (the name refers to the narcotic properties of some species)
• Pronunciation: so-lan-AY-see-ee
• Alternative Pronunciation: so-lan-AY-see-eye

The Solanaceae family includes the genus Solanum. This genus includes the potato (S. tuberosum). "Potato family" is the common name of the Solanaceae family. Some refer to the Solanaceae family as the tomato (S. lycopersicum) family or the eggplant or aubergine (S. melongena) family.

Within the Solanaceae family is the very important genus called Capsicum. Capsicum includes both bell peppers and chili peppers.

External links[edit]

• Solanaceae Source - Taxonomy monograph of all species in the genus Solanum.
• The Solanaceae Network with many pictures of plants
• Solanaceae in USDA Plants Database.