Solanum nitidibaccatum Bitter (family Solanaceae): a new distributional record of hairy nightshade for the flora of India
摘要
Solanum nitidibaccatum Bitter belonging to the Morelloid clade of genus Solanum (family Solanaceae) is popularly known as hairy nightshade. It is native to South America, but has been introduced in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Recently, S. nitidibaccatum has been documented from Pakistan, and the present collection of this species from Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh represents a new distributional record for the flora of India. It is characterized by densely glandular pubescent hairs on the body and shiny, green berries with a whitish mosaic pattern. The species possesses medicinal properties and is also used in the preparation of beverages.