Solandra /sˈlændrə/[1] is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is named after the Swedish naturalist Daniel C. Solander.[2]

Solandra
Solandra maxima
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Subfamily: Solanoideae
Tribe: Solandreae
Genus: Solandra
Sw.
Species

See text.

Synonyms

Swartsia J.F.Gmel.

The vines it contains are commonly known as chalice vines and are native to the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. They have very large flowers and glossy foliage. Also called Cup of Gold.

Solandra grandiflora was once (and likely still is) used by the Huichol of Mexico and other tribes of the region where it is known by the name "kieli" or "kieri" with some archaeological evidence supporting the theory that its use as a hallucinogen predates that of peyote (Lophophora williamsii). A tea from the branches and more so from the roots and fruits is used as an inebriant in native traditions. The alkaloids present include atropine, noratropine, hyoscyamine, and tropine with about 0.15% overall content in the leaves.[3][4]

In all ten species are recognized:[3]

Selected species edit

Image Scientific name Distribution
  Solandra grandiflora Sw. Tropical America
  Solandra longiflora Tussac Venezuela, Ecuador, Suriname
  Solandra maxima (Sessé & Moc.) P.S.Green – Golden chalice vine, Cup of Gold, Hawaiian lily Mexico and Central America

References edit

  1. ^ Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
  2. ^ Genaust, Helmut (1976). Etymologisches Wörterbuch der botanischen Pflanzennamen ISBN 3-7643-0755-2
  3. ^ a b Bernardello, Luis M.; Hunziker, Armando T. (1987-12-01). "A synoptical revision of Solandra (Solanaceae)". Nordic Journal of Botany. 7 (6): 639–652. doi:10.1111/j.1756-1051.1987.tb02032.x. ISSN 1756-1051.
  4. ^ "Solandra grandiflora - Chalice Vine". Entheology.

External links edit

  Media related to Solandra at Wikimedia Commons   Data related to Solandra at Wikispecies