Solanum chenopodoides
Grayish, velvety perennial herb or subshrub up to 1.5 metres tall with a woody stem. Mature stems have 2 ridges. Petioles to 3 cm long. Flowers white, with prominent yellow coherent anthers. Berries 5-7 mm in diameter, globose, dull purplish black or purple.
Black nightshade has hairless leaves and glossy black berries, and is more commonly eaten by stock.
The leaves bear a superficial resemblance to fat hen, which is how it got its name, but the shape of the plants is different.
First noted in Greymouth in the 1940s but has since become common in most parts of New Zealand.
Solasodine, probably mainly in the unripe berries. Nitrates may also be present. Not very toxic unless large amounts eaten.
No cases reported in NZ.
There are two syndromes: nervous blindness, staggers and delirium, leading to convulsions; and gut salivation, bleeding and diarrhoea.
Inflammation of the abomasum.
Symptomatic
Conner H.E. The Poisonous Plants In New Zealand. 1992. GP Publications Ltd, Wellington
