DISTRIBUTION:
This family of plants is widely spread all over the country, often in places where the soil has been disturbed.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:
General: These plants belong to the potato family. They can be perennial or annual, climbers or shrubs of less than 1 m in height, although some species may grow up to 6 m. Some species are spiny, while others are without spines.
Leaves: Leaves can be entire, lobed or divided. The leaves of some species are whiter underneath than above.
Flowers: Mostly in clusters, generally blue, white or yellow.Yellow upright stamens.
Fruit: The ripe fruits (berries) are often yellow and shiny, although some species have red fruits.
TOXIC PRINCIPLE:
The unripe fruits are usually most toxic. The active principle is solanine, a bitter glycoalkaloid, and related glycoalkaloids. Hydrolysis results in a less toxic genin, solanidine.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
Gastro-intestinal and Central nervous systems.
CLINICAL SIGNS:
The species cause stock poisoning, particularly in calves and goats.
The symptoms are
• salivation,
• diarrhoea,
• colic,
• increased heart rate,
• shallow breathing,
• cramps and even
• paralysis.
Solanum kwebense causes CNS malfunction - see CNS index.
NECROPSY:
Catarrhal enteritis. Fruit and/or seeds may be present in the intestinal contents. Fluid accumulation in body cavities.
