West Indian Nightshade

Solanum ptycanthum

West Indian Nightshade

David Eickhoff from Pearl City, Hawaii, USA

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Solanum
Species:
Solanum ptycanthum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun, sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Eggplant Webworm Moth (Rhectocraspeda periusalis), South American tomato pinworm (Symmetrischema tangolias), striped symmetrischema moth (Symmetrischema striatella), Subflexus straw moth (Heliothis subflexa), Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), tomato pinworm (Keiferia lycopersicella), Tmolus echion

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers disturbed areas with ample sunlight