Solanum nubicola
Image: Conveyor Belt (cc0)
NameSolanum nubicola
Scientific NameSolanum nubicola Ochoa
Plant FamilySolanaceae
Natural HabitatFound in the Punas of Quishuarpatá, Huánuco Department, Peru, at 3600 meters altitude. It grows in small forested ravines formed by Polylepis trees, typically accessed by horse trails.
Parts Usedroot,fruit
Medicinal Actionsanti-inflammatory,antioxidant
Traditional UsesSpecific traditional medicinal uses for Solanum nubicola are not provided in the available metadata. While other species within the Solanum genus are known for various traditional applications, often involving tubers or fruits, direct evidence for this particular species is absent from the provided sources.
Active Constituentsglycoalkaloids
Preparation Methodsdecoction,powder
Contraindications & WarningsAs with many species in the Solanum genus, this plant likely contains glycoalkaloids, which can be toxic. Specific contraindications for Solanum nubicola are not known, but extreme caution is advised, and consumption should be avoided without expert identification and guidance due to potential toxicity.
Cultivation NotesCultivation would likely require conditions mimicking its native high-altitude Andean habitat, including specific soil types and climate found in Punas and Polylepis-dominated ravines at elevations around 3600 meters.
Rarityuncommon
Description
Solanum nubicola Ochoa is a herbaceous plant with simple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate leaves and branched stems. It is characterized by abundant, oval to long, thin or flattened subcylindrical tubers up to 8 cm long, and abundant long-conical berries.
