220 IMPORTANT FAMILIES OF PLANTS 



selection has given us many varieties with large tubers and few 

 or no seeds. 



The tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) (Fig. 143) is a 

 native of Central and South America and is said to have been 

 cultivated by the ancient inhabitants of Mexico. Its uses are 

 well known. 



The pepper (Capsicum annuum) (Fig. 144) (red pepper.- 



FIG. 143. Tomatoes. 



C. fastigiatum and C. fructescens, Cayenne pepper, and C. 

 grossum, bell pepper) is also indigenous to tropical and sub- 

 tropical America. The uses are well known. 



Tobacco (Nicoiiana tabacum) is another well-known Amer- 

 ican plant which is now cultivated in many parts of the world. 



This family also includes the deadly nightshade (Atropa 

 belladonna) from which certain important drugs are obtained, 

 the common black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), and many 

 Other interesting plants. 



