A new black nightshade (Morelloid clade, Solanum, Solanaceae) from the caatinga biome of north-eastern Brazil with a key to Brazilian morelloids

Abstract

Solanumcaatingaesp. nov.is described from the arid caatinga biome of north-eastern Brazil. It is known from only a few specimens, but these were found amongst the many sheets of the widespread circumtropical weedS.americanumMill.; it is possible that more will be found once its distinct nature has been recognised. It differs fromS.americanumand all other herbaceous black nightshades known in Brazil, in its combination of glandular pubescence and shiny black fruit with small spreading sepals. The description ofS.caatingaebrings the number of morelloid solanums in Brazil to seven and a key is provided for their identification.