Solanaceae
Solanaceae Juss. family comprises approximately 100–105 genera and 2,700–3,000 species, distributed worldwide, with the greatest diversity in Central and South America. Molecular phylogenetic studies recognize several major subfamilies and tribes while confirming the monophyly of the family. Members are characterized by alternate exstipulate leaves, pentamerous sympetalous flowers, epipetalous stamens, superior bicarpellate ovaries, and fruits that are either berries or capsules. Many species synthesize biologically active tropane alkaloids, steroidal glycoalkaloids, and capsaicinoids.
Key characteristics
- Herbs, shrubs, climbers, or small trees
- Leaves alternate, exstipulate
- Flowers pentamerous
- Corolla sympetalous
- Stamens five, epipetalous
- Anthers often poricidal
- Ovary superior
- Fruit a berry or capsule
Distribution
Solanaceae has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, although diversity is highest in Andes of South America, Central America, Mexico, Tropical South America, Temperate South America. Species occur in Tropical forests, Deserts, Temperate grasslands, Mountain ecosystems, Coastal habitats, Agricultural fields, Disturbed environments. The family is widespread throughout Pakistan. It occurs in Potohar Plateau, Salt Range, Cholistan, Thal Desert. Habitats include Agricultural fields, Roadsides, Waste places, Forest margins, Mountain valleys, Orchards, Home gardens. Representative Pakistani genera include Solanum, Capsicum, Nicotiana, Datura, Withania, Physalis, Hyoscyamus, Lycium, Petunia (cultivated), Brugmansia (ornamental).