Biodiversity
An introduction to biodiversity.
A simple explanation of what biodiversity is, how we make sense of it and its importance to us. Plus an introduction to the biodiversity of potatoes and tomatoes.
Solanum berthaultii
Quick Description
A South American potato with sticky leaves to trap insects.
Appearance:
It is densely hairy and many of the hairs have different kinds of glands at the tips, but similar species growing nearby do not have glands on their hairs. The leaves are yellowish, 10-28 cm long, and sticky to the touch. The flowers are usually yellowish and two of the anthers are slightly shorter than the other 3 anthers. The flower stalks break off in the middle or above the middle. The fruit is green, often with scattered white dots. The seeds become slimy when they are wet because of hair-like outgrows on the cells.
Eating / cooking
Although the tubers are not eaten, the fresh leaves of this wild potato have a spicy smell.
Nutritional content
Not eaten.
Habitat / Growing
Grows in Bolivia and Argentina, in dry open places or between spiny bushes or cacti. It can also be a weed and grow at the edges of fields.
Nothing is known about the stress tolerance.
Disease resistance / pest resistance
Glandular hairs produce sticky liquid that traps insects, including the Green Peach Aphid and the Potato Leafhopper. The hairs prevent the Potato Tuber Moth from laying eggs, and discourage the Colorado Potato Beetle. Different anti-insect chemicals have been found in the sticky substance. Some populations of Solanum berthaultii are also resistant to the Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid.
Storage
The tubers are not eaten.
