Photo: Esma Özer

What is known as poisoned apple?

Solanum aculeastrum is commonly known as soda apple, sodaapple nightshade, goat apple, poison apple, or more ambiguously as "bitter-apple". It is a poisonous nightshade species from Africa and not related to true apples.

en.wikipedia.org - Solanum aculeastrum - Wikipedia

How can I reduce my belly fat?

To battle belly fat: Eat a healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of...

Last updated Feb 25, 2018

How many eggs a day is enough protein?

Eggs are a nutritious protein source and a staple in many people's diets. Though they're high in cholesterol, they also have many health-promoting...

Last updated Jun 24, 2020

Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

Species of plant

Solanum aculeastrum is commonly known as soda apple, sodaapple nightshade,[1] goat apple, poison apple, or more ambiguously as "bitter-apple". It is a poisonous nightshade species from Africa and not related to true apples. The term "soda apple" probably derives from "Sodom apple", modified due to the fruit's detergent properties.

Description [ edit ]

It is a shrub or small tree native to tropical Africa south to South Africa, in a wide range of soil, terrain, and climatic conditions. It is highly branched and reaches 1–5 m high, with numerous sharp, hooked, brown thorns. The leaves are ovate, up to 15 cm long and 13 cm broad, with lobed margins and downy undersides. It flowers (in South Africa) from September to July, peaking from November to March. The petals are white to pale violet surrounding the ovary, the flower also has a bitter, sour smell. These yield to fruit from April to January, peaking in June and November. These smooth, round berries are 6 cm in diameter and fade from green to yellow as they ripen. These berries contain high levels of the poisonous alkaloid solanine. The species name aculeastrum refers to the thorns that adorn most parts of the shrub.

Uses [ edit ]

Because of its dense growth and prickly nature, soda apple is used as a hedge and living barrier for containing livestock. It is often used as a soap replacement, as it is high in saponin. Traditional Zulu practices use the fruit - fresh, boiled, or charred - in herbal medicine to treat a wide variety of afflictions, including cancer, toothaches, and ringworm.

Synonyms [ edit ]

The soda apple has been described under a range of junior synonyms, now invalid. Several of these are ambiguous homonyms:[2]

Solanum albifolium C.H.Wright

Solanum conraui Dammer

Solanum dregei C.Presl

The S. dregei described by Dunal in de Candolle is now S. capense.

Solanum horridissimum Hort. Par. ex Sendtn. ( nomen nudum )

Solanum protodasypogon Bitter

Solanum rugulosum De Wild.

Solanum saponaceum Welw. (non Dunal: preoccupied)

Solanum sepiaceum Dammer

Solanum subhastatum De Wild.

Solanum thomsonii C.H.Wright

The botanist Bitter distinguished a number of subspecies and varieties of the soda apple, but these are not considered valid taxa anymore:[2]

Solanum aculeastrum ssp. pachychlamys Bitter

ssp. S. a. ssp. sepiaceum (Dammer) Bitter

ssp. S. a. var. albifolium (C.H.Wright) Bitter

var. S. a. var. conraui (Dammer) Bitter

var. S. a. var. exarmatum Bitter

var. S. a. var. parceaculeastrum Bitter

References [ edit ]

How long does it take to flush your colon?

It takes about 36 hours for food to move through the entire colon. All in all, the whole process — from the time you swallow food to the time it...

Last updated Sep 1, 2022

Which fruit is good for bones?

Tomato products, prunes, raisins, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, papaya, oranges, orange juice, bananas and plantains. Red peppers, green...

Last updated Oct 21, 2020

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

What fruit burns the most fat?

Best Fruits for Weight Loss: Top 10 fruits to naturally burn fat... Tomatoes. Contrary to popular belief, tomatoes are fruits and not vegetables....

Last updated May 24, 2022

What is the best treatment for sagging jowls?

Surgical procedures, such as neck lifts, can tighten your skin and make it look less saggy. Nonsurgical procedures, such as thermage, lasers, and...

Last updated Apr 20, 2020

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can you lose stomach fat juicing?

Not only will these popularized belly fat burning juice recipes not lead to long term weight loss or even any fat loss at all but in most cases,...

Last updated Sep 7, 2022

7-second natural hack eats through 64lbs of belly flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can I survive on eating oatmeal everyday?

Oatmeal is a good option for breakfast because it can help a person to feel full for a long time. However, it does not provide the nutrients that a...

Last updated Mar 17, 2022