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Solanum pseudocapsicum L.
| Family Name: | Solanaceae |
| Common Name: | Jerusalem Cherry, Madeira Winter Cherry, 珊瑚樱, 玉珊瑚 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Erect shrub. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are narrowly oblong (elongated) to lanceolate (lance-shaped) and about 1-6 cm long, 0.5-1.5 cm wide. They are hairless or covered in short hairs. |
| Flowers | White or light purple flowers occur individually or in short racemes (a spike-like inflorescence) in the leaf axil (the space between the upper leaf surface and the stem). |
| Fruit | Orange-red, round, fleshy fruits are botanically known as berries (1.2-1.5 cm wide). The seeds are disk-like and 2-3 mm wide. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: In folk medicine, this plant is used externally to treat acute abdominal pain and boils. It is also used to make a tonic for men. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Container Planting |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Toxic Upon Ingestion |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | The berries and leaves are toxic upon ingestion. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Hairy / Hirsute |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire, Sinuate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute, Obtuse |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary, Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Orange |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31459 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5856 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
