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Common or garden nightshade, Solanum nigrum
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Common or garden nightshade, Solanum nigrum
Common or garden nightshade, Solanum nigrum. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after a drawing by James Sowerby for James Smiths English Botany, 1799
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Media ID 23202888
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Berry Common Nightshade Nigrum Poison Solanum Sowerby Toxic Smith
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Common or Garden Nightshade, Solanum nigrum: A Vibrant and Toxic Beauty from the World of Botanical Illustration This stunning hand-coloured copperplate engraving, created by James Sowerby and published in James Smith's English Botany in 1799, showcases the captivating yet toxic beauty of the Common or Garden Nightshade, Solanum nigrum. The intricate detail and vibrant colours of the engraving bring to life the various aspects of this intriguing plant. The Common Nightshade, also known as black nightshade, is a common weed that can be found in gardens, roadsides, and waste places throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Its attractive, glossy, and alternate leaves, as depicted in the engraving, are oval or elliptical in shape, with serrated edges and a smooth, dark green surface. However, this seemingly innocuous plant holds a hidden danger. The berries of the Common Nightshade are bright red and round, and while they may look enticing, they are highly toxic. The plant contains solanine, a potent alkaloid that can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress to neurological problems if ingested. Despite its toxicity, the Common Nightshade has played an important role in natural history and botanical illustration. This engraving is a testament to the beauty and intrigue of the natural world, as well as the skill and artistry of the botanical illustrators of the past. The hand-colouring adds an additional layer of depth and richness to the image, making it a valuable addition to any botanical collection.
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![Solanum nigrum [nightshade], illustration from Flora Londiniensis](/sq/690/solanum-nigrum-nightshade-illustration-flora-22823304.jpg.webp)
