Solanum torvum

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Botanical Description: Solanum torvum typically grows as a bushy shrub, reaching heights of 2 to 3 meters (about 6 to 10 feet). It features a robust and woody stem with a dense, spreading habit. The leaves are alternate, broadly ovate with pointed tips, and measure approximately 10-30 cm in length. The edges of the leaves are often irregularly lobed or sinuate (wavy margins). They have a rough texture due to the presence of tiny hairs. The flowers of Solanum torvum are small and white, resembling those of other Solanaceae family members. They typically appear in clusters called inflorescences, which emerge from the leaf axils. Each flower has five pointed petals and prominent yellow anthers, which are characteristic of the nightshade family. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, spherical berries about 1-1.5 cm in diameter. The unripe fruits are green and turn yellowish as they mature. Each berry contains numerous small seeds. These fruits are quite bitter when raw but can be cooked to reduce their bitterness.
Flowering/Fruiting: Flowering period tends to peak around June to August. Fruiting months typically peak from September to November.
Plant Uses: Culinary Uses( Cooking & Preservation), Medicinal Uses (Traditional Medicine & Anti-inflammatory Properties) and Agricultural Uses (Natural Pesticide & Natural Pesticide).
Origin: Introduced
Locality: University of Port Harcourt Abuja Campus.
Habit: Shrub
Mode: Wild