The nightshade family is one of the largest families of modern plants. It includes more than 2300 species, among which there are not only herbs, but also shrubs, and even trees. They are united according to a common feature - the presence of a spine-nimbus corolla, which was formed due to the fusion of flower petals. The inflorescence family has no nightshade, each flower consists of 5 sepals, 5 petals and 5 stamens. Fruit - a box or a berry. This family in its composition has a huge number of poisonous species. But, nevertheless, among them there are a lot of plants whose fruits are used as food. Because toxic substances are localized mainly in the tops, while root crops or fruits are harmless. In addition, the nightshade family is used for medicinal, decorative and technical purposes.
Most modern food crops of this family come from South and Central America. They have a thousand-year history. They were first brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus, and later quickly spread to other continents. The nightshade family, whose representatives are found in each garden plot, are the most common food products in the modern world. Potatoes, otherwise called second bread, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes - these are typical representatives of this family, known to almost everyone. Although these fruits have a high alkali content in their composition, they are considered an ideal option for balancing the human milk and meat diet. The most popular dishes from these vegetables have always been mashed potatoes and fried meat, tomatoes with cheese in pizza, and eggplant in sour cream.
The nightshade family unites many wild-growing representatives, which are considered poisonous for both humans and animals. This is bittersweet nightshade, black nightshade , capable of causing severe poisoning up to death with accidental eating berries. Black belena, which is also considered a dangerous plant, but is used as a medicine for severe pain and cramping. Bleached leaves are a valuable raw material for the production of ointments for grinding. Datura ordinary - causes severe poisoning and skin burns, but a number of herbal medicines are made from its leaves, since they contain valuable substances - alkaloids. Belladonna ordinary, or beladonna, has very beautiful black fruits that seem tasty and edible. But this plant has long been introduced into the culture as a medicinal one.
The nightshade family includes many species of ornamental plants that are grown in garden plots and urban flower beds. For example, petunias are beautiful unpretentious herbaceous plants. Among florists, the physalis vulgaris, used in ikebans, dry bouquets and for decorating living flower arrangements , is very much appreciated. The family includes lianas, for example, solandra, which is widespread in tropical Africa. Its long thick stalks encircle large trees, climbing to the very top, where they spread their leathery leaves and open bell-shaped flowers.
Such a plant of the nightshade family, like real tobacco, provokes a bad habit that people cannot overcome so far. Slaves of smoking are currently a large part of the world's population, but the fight against this addiction is conducted in many countries and smoking cessation is actively promoted. The closest relative of this tobacco is tobacco shag. It (as a smoking mixture) is practically unsuitable for use, but citric acid, nicotine and nicotinic acid are produced from this plant for medical purposes.