Solandra grandiflora

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
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solandra
Species:
S. grandiflora
Binomial name
Solandra grandiflora
Sw.

Symptoms of poisoning

Symptoms 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]

  • Side view of white-flowered form, showing trumpet shape of corolla.
  • Fruit, showing accrescent calyx. Vernacular name in Central America Papaturra.

References
  1. "Solandra grandiflora". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 16 November 2015.
  2. 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.
  3. https://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Cup_of_Gold Retrieved at 11.48am on 17/5/19
  4. 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.
  5. Tampion, John 1977, Dangerous Plants pub. David and Charles ISBN 0 7153 7375 7. Page 28 - heading: Solandra guttata.


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