5.9. SOLANACEAE

It is a large family, commonly called as the ‘potato family’. It is widely distributed in tropics, subtropics and even temperate zones.

The Solanaceae family, also known as the potato family, consists of a diverse range of plants found in various climates including tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones. This wide distribution indicates the adaptability of these plants to different environmental conditions.

Think of the Solanaceae family like a large community of people who live in different parts of the world. Each person may have different lifestyles and jobs, but they all belong to the same family and share some common traits.

Plants mostly herbs, shrubs and rarely small trees. Stem: herbaceous rarely woody, aerial; erect, cylindrical, branched, solid or hollow, hairy or glabrous, underground stem in potato (Solanum tuberosum). Leaves: alternate, simple, rarely pinnately compound, exstipulate; venation reticulate.

Members of the Solanaceae family are primarily categorized as herbs or shrubs, with few species that can grow into small trees. The stems are generally herbaceous, meaning they are green and soft rather than hard and woody. They can be erect, cylindrical, and may be either solid or hollow. Leaves in this family typically grow alternately along the stem, are simple in shape, and may occasionally be pinnately compound with a net-like pattern of veins.

Imagine the plants in this family like a team of athletes—most of them are sprinters (herbs) or jumpers (shrubs), with just a few long-distance runners (small trees). The ‘softness’ of their bodies symbolizes their adaptability and resilience, much like sprinters who are quick and agile.

Inflorescence: Solitary, axillary or cymose as in Solanum. Flower: bisexual, actinomorphic. Calyx: sepals five, united, persistent, valvate aestivation. Corolla: petals five, united; valvate aestivation. Androecium: stamens five, epipetalous. Gynoecium: bicarpellary obligately placed, syncarpous; ovary superior, bilocular, placenta swollen with many ovules, axile. Fruits: berry or capsule. Seeds: many, endospermous.

In the Solanaceae family, flowers can be solitary or form clusters, and they typically possess both male and female parts (bisexual). The flower structure is symmetrical (actinomorphic) with five sepals that are fused together and remain attached to the flower as it blooms. The five petals are also united, forming the corolla. Each flower has five stamens that are attached to the corolla (epipetalous), and the female reproductive part (gynoecium) consists of two fused carpels. The ovary is located above the other flower parts (superior), contains two cavities (bilocular), and has a fleshy fruit, either a berry or a capsule, that holds many seeds.

Think of a Solanaceae flower like a beautiful house that has everything under one roof. You have rooms for both design (the corolla and calyx) and functionality (the androecium and gynoecium) all working together. Just like a well-built house, each part of the flower has its purpose, ensuring that the aesthetics and functionality blend seamlessly.

Many plants belonging to this family are source of food (tomato, brinjal, potato), spice (chilli); medicine (belladonna, ashwagandha); fumigatory (tobacco); ornamentals (petunia).

The Solanaceae family is significant in various sectors such as agriculture, medicine, and horticulture. Many members of this family provide essential food sources like tomatoes, brinjals (eggplants), and potatoes. Others serve as spices, such as chillis. Additionally, some plants have medicinal properties (like belladonna and ashwagandha) that contribute to healthcare, while others, like petunia, are grown for ornamental purposes and enhance garden aesthetics.

This family can be thought of as a supermarket where you find everything from fresh produce (like potatoes and tomatoes) to special herbs and spices (like chillis). It also has a pharmacy section (medicinal plants) and a decorative garden section (ornamental plants) that make our environment beautiful.

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