Common Name: Shrub Nightshade
Shrub Nightshade is a well-armed shrub of South American origin. The plant is seen in hill-town areas and disturbed shola forest fringes in Western Ghats. Often seen in urban areas of Nilgiris and grows to a height of about 2.5 meters. The plant is fully pubescent, leafs grow to a length of 25 cm. Straight prickles are seen all over the plant. Prickles are seen on both sides of the leaf surface extending along the leaf veins. Young leaves have characteristic rust like granular stuff on the leaf surface. The leaf lamella extends and covers the petiole. Small white clusters of flowers are seen in star shape. Fruit is a small berry. The plant contains various tropane alkaloids- no part of the plant should be consumed.
