Nightshade

Solanum incanum

Native to:
Afghanistan, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, DR Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gulf States, India, Iran, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Socotra, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Solanum
Species:
Solanum incanum
USDA Symbol:
SOIN5

Growth Characteristics

Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
purple, white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Can resprout from rootstock after fire or damage, typical of African savanna shrubs.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily at warm temperatures (20-25°C). Light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI