SOLANACE^E 



A low, weedy-looking plant with a faint odour, that has 

 irregularly lobed leaves and insignificant white flowers, 

 which are not to be compared to the handsome flowers of 

 the Dulcamara. 



The name, nigrum, (the flowers being white) is given 

 because the berry is black vvhen fully ripe. The berry has 

 a sweet, nauseous taste and while poisonous, is not so 

 virulent as the red berry of the Dulcamara. 



From this plant, also, is made a valuable drug. 



SOLANACE.E NIGHTSHADE FAMILY 



Nicandra Physalodcs, (L.) Pers. 



Blue 



Apple of Peru. 

 July-September 



Nicandra: named for the Grecian poet, Nicander. 

 Physalodes: Greek for resembling a bladder, in allusion to 

 the inflated calyx. 



THE PREFERRED HABITAT: waste grounds, barnyards, and 

 old gardens. 



THE PLANT: somewhat erect, two feet to three feet high; 

 the stem angled. 



THE LEAVES: alternate; ovate or oblong; tapering; acu- 

 minate but blunt pointed at the apex; narrowed at the 

 base; petioled; lobed. 



THE FLOWERS: trumpet-shaped, one inch long or more, 

 with shallow lobes. 



THE FRUIT: a berry, about one half inch in diameter, 

 loosely surrounded by the inflated and angled calyx. 



To few weeds is granted the grace of being as attractive 

 in appearance as the Apple of Peru. The large, trumpet- 

 shaped flowers are a beautiful, light China blue, and their 

 margins are neatly lobed. The leaves, although rather 



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