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 hjertingii
Quick Description
A useful potato with tubers that do not go brown for a long time after they are stored.
Appearance
This wild potato can be identified by its long curvy styles that stick out of the flowers. It is only 40 cm tall, and produces tubers. The leaves are 10-20 cm long and divided into many parts that look like small separate leaves. There are 6-18 violet flowers in every inflorescence. Flower stalks break off in the middle. The fruit is completely green or white with green spots, and approximately 1 cm in diameter. Seeds are white-green and become sticky when they are wet.
Eating / cooking
This species is not eaten by humans.
Nutritional content
No research has been done on this.
Habitat / Growing
Grown in North-East Mexico, in forests, grasslands, and fields.
Stress tolerance
No research has been done on this.
Disease resistance / pest resistance
No research has been done on this.
Storage
When commercial potatoes are stored the enzymes inside them start breaking down the cells, and brown patches appear inside the potato. Solanum hjertingii tubers have different chemistry and make less melanin so the brown patches do not appear as fast. Solanum hjertingii has been used in breeding to produce potatoes that can keep for longer.
