Solanaceae

Stephen H. Brown, Chris Marble, andStephen F. Enloe

Two-leaf nightshade, Solanum diphyllum, is a member of the Solanaceae or potato family. The common garden tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants also belong to the Solanaceae family. The genus Solanum is associated with plants known as nightshades.

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, Christina Verlinde, andGabriel Campbell

Yujie Jiao and Guodong Liu

Goji berries have been used in both fresh and processed forms for food and medicine for more than 4,000 years in China. The goji berry fruit is known as a “superfruit” thanks to its high levels of vitamins and minerals, as well as other medicinal benefits recognized in many countries around the world. Most of Florida’s climate is favorable for goji berry, and a few Florida growers have cultivated it for years. This species can tolerate infertile and unfavorable growth conditions, and the prominent health benefits of this crop may behighly profitable for Florida growers. The objective of this new 7-page article is to provide a general overview of how the goji berry can be grown in Florida.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow is an evergreen flowering shrub that displays violet, lavender, and white color-changing flowers. It is well suited for a variety of uses in the landscape including as a foundation, screen or standard, or mass planting.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, Ryan Klein, andTeresa Howe
Other Contacts: Wendy Wilber

This document provides an overview of ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum), detailing their growth habits, planting requirements, and uses. Ornamental peppers are annuals or perennials in warmer climates, known for their colorful fruits that range from red, purple, yellow, orange, to white. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and require a rich, evenly moist growing medium. The document also highlights their non-invasive nature, moderate growth rate, and resistance to pests. Additionally, it covers the plant’s physical characteristics, including height, spread, leaf arrangement, and fruit features. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed description of Lycium carolinianum, commonly known as Christmas berry or Carolina desert-thorn12. It is a small shrub native to the southeastern United States, particularly thriving in coastal areas. The shrub features rigid, thorn-tipped branches, succulent leaves, and attractive blue, white, or lavender flowers that bloom in autumn3. The flowers are followed by bright red berries that attract birds4. The plant is highly tolerant of salt spray and drought conditions, making it suitable for coastal plantings5. It can be used as a border plant or trained into a small tree for gardens and patios6. The document also highlights its planting requirements, growth habits, and potential uses in landscaping. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Browallia is a tender perennial, commonly grown as an annual, with a rounded growth habit. It produces showy purplish-blue flowers from spring through fall. It is suited for use in containers, as cut flowers, or planted in mass.

Stephen F. Enloe, Carey R. Minteer, L. T. Markle, andKenneth A. Langeland

This publication provides a guide to differentiate the invasive Solanum species, information about the ecology and management of each species, and information on Solanum capsicoides All., which can easily be confused with some of the invasive Solanum species.