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

Abstract

Solanum caatingae sp. 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 weed S. americanum Mill.; it is possible that more will be found once its distinct nature has been recognised. It differs from S. americanum and all other herbaceous black nightshades known in Brazil, in its combination of glandular pubescence and shiny black fruit with small spreading sepals. The description of S. caatingae brings the number of morelloid solanums in Brazil to seven and a key is provided for their identification.