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 morelliforme
Quick Description:
Unusual small species growing high up in the trees.
Appearance:
Easy to recognise because the plant is smaller than 50 cm, its stems are only 2-3 mm wide, and its leaves do not have the complicated divisions of other wild potato leaves. The leaves are 3-14 cm long and covered in tiny hairs. The small flowers are white with tones of violet. The small fruit does not have as many seeds as other species, it is 5-8 mm across and green or yellow-green. The seeds are 2 mm long and green-white. They become slimy when they are wet because of hair-like outgrows on the cells.
Eating / cooking
Not eaten.
Nutritional content
Not eaten.
Habitat / Growing
Grows on trees without touching the ground. Usually found on horizontal branches of cypress, elm, juniper, pine, and oak, on rotten leaves and moss, in wet forests of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Logging and deforestation is reducing the occurrence of this species.
Stress tolerance
No research has been done on this.
Disease resistance / pest resistance
No research has been done on this.
Storage
The tubers are not eaten.
