Join Photoblog!

Monday Flower: Black Nightshade

2009.11.23

Solanum nigrum aka European Black Nightshade

Probably this is one of the ‘’weeds’’ that I love to see on my backyard! I love its flowers, and Also its berries! It is not sooo common on my backyard if you want the truth! I’ve just found this one, this year! My backyard isn’t exactly a nice place to weeds, my grandma takes good care of them! Lol ! Anyways, This plant is toxic [you got it! All plants that can bring death I love them! =) ], but it is NOOOOT sooo poisonous! Can you believe I google it some information about it, and in India it is used in the culinary?

மணத்தக்காளி – manathakkaal <-- this is the thing! If there are Indians there please tell me if this is truth, or is just another Wikipedia error!

Anyways, the berries are more toxic when green, than when they are purple! Once purple, they are even eaten by the birds what helps their life circle!

At first I confused these plants with potato plants, because their flowers are very similar but the truth is that this one has smaller flowers and the potato plant has it bigger!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As most of you know, Our Sunday Gallery will be back in 2 weeks (6th Dec) as a themed special on Ruth's page (nunuinpictures).
The theme is Mandalas =)
Believe me it is a lot of fun! I’ve not started mine yet, but I cant wait to do it =)
Please participate in Our Sunday Gallery, all support and draws are welcome!
And participate in Our Sunday Gallery with a mandala! =)
For more info about Our Sunday Gallery please visit Ted’s blog, and seizing the chance, visit our last Sunday gallery :
Our Sunday Gallery 6#
For More Info about Mandalas visit Ruth’s Blog entry about mandalas:
Mandalas
And Feel Free to see Lys wonderful Mandalas:
Mandala 1# (the last picture)
Mandala 2#
All Support is needed, and Thank you to Help this project!

WWWWWWWWWOWWWWW:D

onlymehdi · 2009-11-22: 17:02

Excellent pictures and explanation !!

But ...
... I have a question:

Where's the black ??

XD XD XD XD XD

jrregaldie · 2009-11-22: 17:42

Fantastic shots !!

finbarr · 2009-11-22: 17:45

Well it is the same genus as potato n tomato as well as brinjals (i guess u must know it as eggplant), hence ur confusion with potato. You r right about the raw fruitd being toxic. When it turns purple or ripe, no problem, but the green one contains the chemical- solanine - which causes the mild symptoms like gastrointestinal upset to some kind of central nervous system impairment.
And for that extra information...-
Even potatoes,tomatoes and brinjals have solanine in them.
When the potato tubers are exposed to light for too long or left in sun etc, they become green under the skin.., it indicates increased solanine production. That is why it is said never to eat potatoes which are turning green under the skin! Green is the colour of chlorophyll, not solanine, but it goes hand in hand.
Ofcourse the bitter taste also indicates high amount of alkaloid in it
You can try this experiment, but just DO NOT eat it.

soubhagya · 2009-11-22: 18:22

And ofcourse very nice shots!

soubhagya · 2009-11-22: 18:22

Isto é que é dedicação! Ainda é Domingo e já cá está a flor de segunda feira! :))) E é bonita!

Unchained · 2009-11-22: 19:01

such little flowers, wonderful detail!

urmysunshine · 2009-11-22: 19:45

I love the color contrast in the flowers!

InTime · 2009-11-22: 21:47

Interesting. It looks like a plant in my country, a type of green tomato. But that plant is edible, so it definitely is not the same. ^_^

huiching · 2009-11-22: 21:58

Pretty little flower :-)

jet28 · 2009-11-23: 02:00

Soubhagya said it before me. Exactly correct. It is a very interesting genus, and these are great pictures.

SADHYA · 2009-11-23: 04:56

My rabbits would love this ... ;o)
Nice post Ricky!!

Ryana · 2009-11-23: 05:10

beautiful green and flover.

extralarge · 2009-11-23: 06:23

Interesting post! You wouldn't think this plant with the lovely delicate little flower would have such a name....but a good warning, I guess, not to eat the fruit!!

lookagain · 2009-11-23: 08:00

Pretty... :-)

wfrnk · 2009-11-23: 09:00

So now you know, and the next time your grandma says 'eat your greens' you can tell her Hahaha

Thanks very much for the gallery promotion and links :-)

????? · 2009-11-23: 12:04