Solandra grandiflora, the showy chalicevine, or papaturra[1] is a member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) genus Solandra and, like the other members of the genus, is a climbing plant with large, attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is native to Central America and northern South America and is widely grown in the tropics as an ornamental.[2] The green parts of the plant are highly toxic (hallucinogenic / delirient in small doses), due to tropane alkaloid content,[3] and have caused deaths from anticholinergic poisoning,[4] but the flesh of the ripe fruit (although not the unripe fruit or seeds) is said to be edible. The fruits, which are globular and largely enclosed by the accrescent calyces, can reach a kilogram in weight and have a taste described as apple-like or melon-like.[2]
| Solandra grandiflora | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Solandra |
| Species: | S. grandiflora
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| Binomial name | |
| Solandra grandiflora Sw.
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Symptoms of poisoning
editSymptoms caused by ingestion of plant parts - even from chewing fragments of flowers - include dryness of throat, headache, weakness, fever, delirium, hallucinations and potentially fatal circulatory and respiratory failure.[5]
Gallery
edit-
Side view of white-flowered form, showing trumpet shape of corolla. -
Fruit, showing accrescent calyx. Vernacular name in Central America Papaturra.
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References
edit- ^ NRCS. "Solandra grandiflora". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 16 November 2015.
- ^ a b Lötschert, W. & Beese, G. (translated by Clive King) 1994 Collins Photo Guide to Tropical Plants pub. Harper Collins. ISBN 0 00 219112 1. Page 51.
- ^ https://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Cup_of_Gold Retrieved at 11.48am on 17/5/19
- ^ Quattrocchi, Umberto (2012). CRC World dictionary of medicinal and poisonous plants: common names, scientific names, eponyms, synonyms and etymology, pub. CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group. Vol. V: R-Z pps. 308-9.
- ^ Tampion, John 1977, Dangerous Plants pub. David and Charles ISBN 0 7153 7375 7. Page 28 - heading: Solandra guttata.
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