Solanum dulcamara (Solanaceae) An invasive, perennial, semi-woody climber that can grow in a wide array of environments. It can be upwards of 13 feet tall, but generally is found to be around 3-6 feet in height. Both the leaf blades and the stems are unarmed. The shape of most of the leaves is ovate with a cordate base, arranged in a alternate pattern. These leaves are simple, with a margin that can be entire, subentire, or toothed. But, the larger leaves can have a small pair of basal lobes resulting in a hastate base, or leaflets at their base; toothed or toothed and lobed margins are associated with these larger leaves. This feature of Solanum dulcamara differentiates it from similar plants, such as Solanum nigrum or Solanum ptycanthum, because it uniquely has the aforementioned leaflets. Pubescent simple hairs or glabrous surface textures are present on all its leaves. Blueish-Purple, radially symmetrical flowers comprise the inflorescence. Solanum dulcamara can contain anywhere from 10-25 flowers, each with 5 petals and 5 tepals. Flowers contain both gynoecium and androecium. Ellipsoid to ovoid berries are present on the plant and are known to be poisonous to humans, but in fact, the entire plant is actually considered to be toxic.
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