Solanum diphyllum and Solanum pseudocapsicum, the differences

SPECIES HEAD TO HEAD - The genus nightshades (Solanum L.) has hundreds of recorded species and grows widely throughout the world. Two species that are often confused are twoleaf nightshade (Solanum diphyllum L.) and Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum L.). Both are upright shrubs and have many similarities.

S. diphyllum has smaller fruit, while S. pseudocapsicum has larger fruit. The key characteristic to distinguish the two is leaf size. Here is a key to identifying the two species.

S. diphyllum has multiple fruits in a cluster. The fruits have a maximum size of 10 mm and short sepals.

Dlium Solanum diphyllum and Solanum pseudocapsicum, the differences 2

S. pseudocapsicum has solitary fruits. The fruits have a size of up to 15 mm and large sepals.

Dlium Solanum diphyllum and Solanum pseudocapsicum, the differences 3

By Aryo Bandoro
Founder of Dlium.com. You can follow him on X: @Abandoro.

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