Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) near Al Bidda Park. Doha, Qatar, March 7, 2014Solanum atriplicifolium, Solanum cuneifolium, Solanum decipiens, Solanum dillenii, Solanum humile, Solanum judaicum, Solanum morella, Solanum moschatum, Solanum papilionaceum, Solanum pseudoflavum, Solanum repens, Solanum schultesii, Solanum suffruticosum, Solanum villosum, Solanum vulgare, Solanum vulgatum
Black nightshade, inab al deeb
Solanum nigrum (European black nightshade or locally just "black nightshade", duscle, garden nightshade, hound's berry, petty morel, wonder berry, small-fruited black nightshade or popolo) is a species in the Solanum genus, native to Eurasia and introduced in the Americas, Australasia and South Africa. Parts of this plant can be highly toxic to livestock and humans, and it's considered a weed. Nonetheless, ripe berries and cooked leaves of edible strains are used as food in some locales; and plant parts are used as a traditional medicine. There is a tendency in literature to incorrectly refer to many of the other "black nightshade" species as "Solanum nigrum".[+]
Solanum nigrum, also known as black nightshade, is an annual herb native to Eurasia and North Africa. It has been found in Qatar, where it grows as a weed in cultivated fields, gardens, and waste areas. In Qatar, S. nigrum typically flowers from February to May, producing small, white or purple flowers followed by shiny black berries. The plant is considered invasive and can be toxic if ingested, as it contains solanine alkaloids. Local studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including Doha and Al Rayyan, often associated with human activities such as agriculture and urbanization.
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) near Al Asmakh Street in Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2014
Fruit receptacles of Solanum nigrum(?) on roadside of Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2014
Flowers of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014
Fruits of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014
Berries of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014
Ripe fruits of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) on Al Mawrid Street in Al Lejbailat area. Doha, Qatar, May 26, 2016Observations of Solanum nigrum in Qatar reveal its presence in various locations, including Al Bidda Park, Musheirib area, Irkhaya Farms, and West Bay. The plant was found growing near roadsides, in parks, and on farmlands with center-pivot irrigation. Flowers and fruits were observed in different stages of development, from blooming to ripe berries. The plant was spotted in different months, including March, April, October, November, December, May, and June, indicating its ability to grow and thrive throughout the year in Qatar's climate. Locations with irrigation, such as Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms, seemed to support the growth of Solanum nigrum, with multiple observations of the plant in these areas.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.