Herbs, shrubs, and some trees in about 85 genera and 2,800
species with a tendency toward rotate corollas (esp. in the large [ca. 1,400 species] genus
Solanum). Also, anthers are often conspicuous and anther
dehiscence is frequently poricidal.
Fruit is either capsular or baccate with axile
placentation, usually in two locules. Many taxa poisonous
but also includes significant foods plants, such as the potato (Solanum
tuberosum - Andean), tomato (Lycopersicon
esculentum - Central America), and American Chili
peppers (Capsicum - several species - North and South
America). Toxicity, maily due to various alkaloids, is indicated
by tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), deadly nightshade (Atropa
belladonna), and jimson weed (Datura
stramonium).
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