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Synonyms/: Solanum verbascifolium.
An unarmed shrub or small tree with a dense indumentum of soft
stellate hairs, stem up to 20 cm in diameter. Leaves simple,
ovate-elliptical, margin entire or slightly wavy, base rounded to
cuneate, apex acute to acuminate. Fruit globose, 8-12 mm in
diameter, pubescent, dull yellow when ripe. Seeds many, compressed,
1-2 mm in diameter.
Medical use: The leaves act as an abortifacient and are considered a
potent medicine for expelling all impurities through the urine, and
in particular to treat leucorrhoea. Pounded leaves are poulticed to
treat piles, haemorrhoids and scrofula. Heated leaves are applied as
a cream to the forehead against headache. A decoction of the leaves
is drunk against vertigo; an infusion of the plant is used for a
bath after childbirth. A decoction from the roots is applied to
treat violent pains all over the body or to relieve digestive
troubles; it is also given to treat dysentery, diarrhoea and fever.
In Papua New Guinea, the plant is used internally to treat
stomach-ache and is applied externally to skin irritations and
rashes. In the Solomon Islands, leaf juice is used as a rinse for
sores in the mouth. S. erianthum is considered poisonous to
livestock. The root bark is poisonous and can be used as an
antiphlogistic and against arthritis. Food: The fruits can be eaten
when cooked. |
