Solanum bellum
Solanum bellum is a species of flowering plant in the family Solanaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador.
Taxonomy
The species was first scientifically described by the American botanist Sandra Knapp in 1986. The [botanical name|species epithet|specific epithet] bellum refers to the plant's delicate, attractive appearance.The species belongs to section Geminata of the genus Solanum, and is closely related to a group of small-flowered species from Colombia's Chocó region, including S. triplinervium. It is the only member of this group found on the eastern slopes of the Andes.
Description
Solanum bellum is a delicate shrub or slender small tree growing to in height. Its young stems are smooth, shiny and green, developing grey bark as they age. The species features simple leaves arranged singly along the stem, rather than in pairs. These leaves are lance-shaped to elliptical, measuring long and wide, with a pointed tip and base. The leaves are smooth on both surfaces, with the underside distinctly paler than the upper surface.The flowers are small and white, appearing in simple clusters opposite the leaves. Each flower cluster is quite short at 3–5 mm long, bearing 3–6 flowers. Individual flowers measure 4–5 mm across, with petals that fold backwards when fully open. The flowers can be either 'long-styled' or 'short-styled', referring to the length of the female reproductive organ within the flower.
The fruit is a round, green berry approximately in diameter, held on woody stalks that stand upright. When growing in full sunlight, its leaves develop a distinctive silvery sheen, a characteristic that sets it apart from related species.