Solanum americanum
Bushy, thornless perennial up to 1m tall. Ovate toothed leaves, 4-10cm long. Pink or white flowers 5-8mm dia. Black glossy berries, 5-8mm dia. There are several subsp. and the plants are very variable. Those at the southern end of its range tend to have more purple colours.
Other Solanum species especially black nightshade, but the flowers are usually pink.
Scrub and less disturbed areas, usually in the N. Island, but local in Nelson, Marlborough and Westland.
Probably contains the alkaloids solasonine and solamargine.
No poisoning is known to have occurred in New Zealand.
Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weakness and incoordination, trembling, rapid respiration and heart rate, dyspnoea, excessive salivation, nasal discharge and jaundice.
History, clinical signs, plant in the rumen.
Symptomatic treatment. Establish respiration, induce vomiting in the appropriate animals, activated charcoal, saline cathartic, iv fluids to maintain body fluid and electrolyte balance.
Conner H.E. The Poisonous Plants In New Zealand. 1992. GP Publications Ltd, Wellington
Parton K, Bruere A.N. and Chambers J.P. Veterinary Clinical Toxicology, 2nd ed. 2001. Veterinary Continuing Education Publication No. 208
4 October, 2007
