[Illustration: Solanum elaeagnifolium
S. rostratum]
Common names: PURPLE NIGHTSHADE, GROUNDCHERRY, WILD POTATO,
(_TROMPILLO_), HORSENETTLE
Arizona and California deserts: (_Solanum xanti_). Purple.
April-August.
Texas desert: (_Solanum elaeagnifolium_). Purple-violet.
May-September.
Potato family. Size: Up to 3 feet.
Quite showy when in flower, these common roadside plants attract
considerable attention during the late spring and summer. Some species
become troublesome in cultivated fields and are difficult to eradicate.
An alkaloid, solanin, reported as present in the leaves and unripe
fruits of several species, renders them poisonous. Pima Indians add the
crushed berries of _S. elaeagnofolium_ to milk in making cheese.
The yellow-flowered _S. rostratum_ is heavily covered with spines,
including both stems and fruit, giving it the name of Buffalobur. This
species is said to be the original host of the now widespread pest, the
Colorado Potato Beetle.