Solandra grandiflora
Solandra grandiflora | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Solanales |
Family: | Solanaceae |
Genus: | Solandra |
Species: | S. grandiflora
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Binomial name | |
Solandra grandiflora Sw.
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Solandra grandiflora, the showy chalicevine, or papaturra[1] is a member of the nightshade ( Solanaceae ) genus Solandra and, like the other members of the genus, is a climbing plant with large, attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is native to Central America and northern South America and is widely grown in the tropics as an ornamental.[2] The green parts of the plant are highly toxic (hallucinogenic / delirient in small doses), due to tropane alkaloid content,[3] and have caused deaths from anticholinergic poisoning,[4] but the flesh of the ripe fruit ( although not the unripe fruit or seeds ) is said to be edible. The fruits, which are globular and largely enclosed by the accrescent calyces, can reach a kilogram in weight and have a taste described as apple-like or melon-like.[2]
Symptoms of poisoning
Symptoms caused by ingestion of plant parts - even from chewing fragments of flowers - include dryness of throat, headache, weakness, fever, delirium, hallucinations and potentially fatal circulatory and respiratory failure.[5]
Gallery
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Side view of white-flowered form, showing trumpet shape of corolla.
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Fruit, showing accrescent calyx. Vernacular name in Central America Papaturra.
References
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Solandra grandiflora". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 16 November 2015.
- ^ a b Lötschert, W. & Beese, G. ( translated by Clive King ) 1994 Collins Photo Guide to Tropical Plants pub. Harper Collins. ISBN 0 00 219112 1. Page 51.
- ^ https://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Cup_of_Gold Retrieved at 11.48am on 17/5/19
- ^ Quattrocchi, Umberto (2012). CRC World dictionary of medicinal and poisonous plants: common names, scientific names, eponyms, synonyms and etymology, pub. CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group. Vol. V: R-Z pps. 308-9.
- ^ Tampion, John 1977, Dangerous Plants pub. David and Charles ISBN 0 7153 7375 7. Page 28 - heading: Solandra guttata.