African nightshade

[4] Local names of African nightshade include managu (Kikuyu), mnavu (Swahili), rinagu (Kisii), tsisutsa (Luhya), osuga (Luo), isoiyot (Kipsigis), kitulu (Kamba), ormomoi (Maa), ndunda (Taita), nsugga (Luganda), sochot (Keiyo), and esisogho (Lukhonzo).

[4] The plant has numerous flowers that are black or purple and round berries, which are about 0.75 cm (0.30 in) in diameter, having small, flat, yellowish seeds.

[4] There are many diversities in African nightshades related to growth patterns, leaf sizes, tastes (bitterness) flowering time, colour, as well as nutritional and nutraceutical value, along with quantities and composition of anti-nutrient factors.

[2] The most popular African representatives of Solanum can also be found in areas of Europe and Asia, but the most valued nightshade species vegetable, said to be S. scabrum, is native to Australia.

[2] Traditionally, African nightshade was collected from the wild and given as a souvenir by family and friends, who were traveling from rural areas to town dwellers.

[2] Due to promotion by NGOs and research and other interest groups, this trend has changed based on awareness of nutritional and medicinal benefits.

[4] Comparing African nightshade to other high-value and high-yielding horticultural crops, it produces low leaf yields and is considered uneconomical, however it is in high demand in some areas for its health, nutritional, and medicinal benefits.

[1] Pests and diseases of African nightshade are similar to those of family Solanaceae and include aphids, spider mites, and early blight.

[2] A diet incorporating African nightshade is recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers, as it is good for people with iron deficiencies, and malaria patients.