Solanum virginianum

  

Solanum virginianum, commonly known as Yellow-berried Nightshade or Kantakari, is a thorny shrub native to tropical Asia and widely found across Sri Lanka. It is an important medicinal plant in traditional Ayurvedic practices, recognized for its resilience in dry, open areas and its distinctive yellow fruits and purple flowers.

The plant features spiny stems, ovate leaves with hairy surfaces, and clusters of vibrant violet-blue flowers. Its small, round berries transition from green to yellow as they mature. Solanum virginianum thrives in sandy soils, scrublands, and roadside habitats, contributing to local biodiversity by attracting bees, butterflies, and small herbivores.

This species is highly valued in traditional medicine, where different parts of the plant are used to treat respiratory issues, inflammation, and digestive disorders. Preparations made from its roots, fruits, and leaves are often included in herbal remedies. Its strong flavor and protective spines have also made it a topic of study in plant defense research.

Solanum virginianum grows throughout the year in arid and semi-arid zones, especially during the warmer months. It is easily found in the wild, particularly in uncultivated fields and dry plains. The plant is hardy, requiring minimal care, and is often harvested by herbal practitioners and rural communities for medicinal use.

• Common Name In Sri Lanka: Katuwelbatu (කටුවැල්බටු)
• Scientific Name: Solanum virginianum
• Habitat: A perennial, prostrate subshrub
• Average Height: upto 70cm

Solanum virginianum is part of the catalog of ayurvedic medicinal plants of Sri Lanka.