Αρκοπομηλορκά, Σολάνο το μαύρο
Etymology of Solanum nigrum
Pliny was the first to use this word to name "Solanum" generic name was first used by Pliny the Elder (AD 23–79) for a plant also known as "strychnos" (from ancient Greek "στρύχνος"), most likely Solanum nigrum. A possible etymology considers that it could derive from the Latin "sol" + the suffix "-anus", meaning "sun" referring to its status as a plant of the sun or from "solor" + the suffix "-nus" meaning "the one that soothes, comforts", referring to Solanum nigrum's healing properties. Latin "nigrum" is the neuter form of the adjective "niger", which means "black". This part of the name refers to the typical color of the ripe berries of Solanum nigrum.
Habitat of Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum, also known as "black nightshade", has a very wide global distribution, occurring in temperate to tropical regions across the world. It is considered native to Eurasia and parts of Africa, but has been introduced and naturalized in the Americas, Australasia, and South Africa. This adaptable plant commonly grows as a weed in cultivated fields, gardens, vineyards, roadsides, disturbed sites, and waste areas, thriving in various soil types and habitats, from sea level up to high altitudes.
Solanum nigrum in Cyprus
In total there are at least 4 species/kinds of the Solanum genus in the wild Cypriot habitat. Solanum nigrum is a relatively common plant in Cyprus. It most likely does not appear only in the Kyrenia district. It is encountered up to an altitude of 1525 meters. It can be seen flowering all year long.
How to identify Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum, commonly known as black nightshade, and Solanum villosum, known as hairy nightshade or red nightshade, share a similar herbaceous and weedy appearance, but several key morphological differences help distinguish them.
Solanum nigrum typically grows up to 1 meter tall with stems that can be either smooth or sparsely hairy, sometimes becoming woody with age. Its leaves are usually elliptic to oval, dark green to purplish-green, and can have smooth, wavy, or irregularly toothed margins. The flowers of Solanum nigrum are small, white, star-shaped, and borne in drooping clusters. The defining characteristic is its mature fruit, which are typically dull black to purplish-black, globular berries, usually 5-13 mm in diameter, with small, outward-pointing sepals at the base.
In contrast, Solanum villosum is generally a smaller plant, reaching up to 70 cm in height, and is noticeably hairy throughout, with stems and leaves covered in fine, soft hairs. Its leaves are ovate, typically smaller than Solanum nigrum, with entire or shallowly lobed margins. The flowers of Solanum villosum are white, sometimes tinged with purple, and appear in smaller clusters of 3-8 flowers. The most striking difference lies in its mature fruit, which are dull light red to orange-yellow globular berries, usually 5-9 mm in diameter. Additionally, the peduncles (flower stalks) in Solanum villosum are moderately long, which can also help in differentiating it from Solanum nigrum.
