Solanum species

Abstract

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.