DICOTYLEDONS: SYMPETALAs 305 
a small related family. 
A very general feature of the 
nightshades is their rank-scented foliage, the leaves and 
Fic. 291.—Branch of thorn-apple (Nightshade Family), showing flowers and 
fruit.—After BarLion. 
fruits of some of them being very poisonous. Among 
the familiar plants are capsicum (red pepper), ground 
cherry, belladonna, matri- 
mony vine, henbane, petu- 
nia, and thorn-apple (jim- 
son-weed) (Figs. 291 and 
292); while the three fol- 
lowing are of great com- 
mercial importance: 
Potato.—This most com- 
mon of all vegetables is 
often called Irish potato, 
because of its general use 
in Ireland; but it is a na- 
tive of the mountainous 
Fic. 292.— Thorn -apple 
(Nightshade Family): 
A, longitudinal section 
of flower; B, dehiscence 
of the fruit (bur).—Af- 
ter BaILLon. 
region of America from southern Colorado to Chili. Like 
corn (maize), potatoes were found in cultivation by natives 
