Bittersweet

It looks as though we can now start going further afield for our relaxation. St Dominic Cummings (slimy bastard!) has led the way. I'm getting a bit fed up with our local pocket park. But having said that I did go there yet again today.


Bittersweet, aka Woody Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) has come into bloom.

Woody Nightshade growing in Stefen Hill Pocket park.

25 May, 2020

It is a curious plant and is mildly poisonous. It is, or was, included in the British Pharmaceutical Codex but is probably never used, other than by refractory herbalists. The poisonous element, the alkaloid solanine, is found throughout the plant but is most concentrated in the unripe berries. However, in the succulent red berries the alkaloid is present in such small quantities that John Wright states 'I know of people who eat the ripe berries.' (Wright, 2016) But apparently the fruits are intensely bitter when first tasted; the sweetness is an aftertaste. I have never tried them nor do I intend to.


It is widespread throughout Northamptonshire but avoids dry, open situations. Open woodlands or damp hedgerows seems to suit it. John Clare noted it.
           
                                        And scrambling up the hawthorn's prickly bower,
                                        For ramping woodbines and blue Bitter Sweet.


                                                           Clare's Village Minstrel. 1821


                          

The ripe fruits are fortunately only slightly toxic

Approximately 8% of flowering plants have poricidal anthers and this species is one of them. The pollen is dry and dusty, so visiting bees release the pollen by rapid vibration of their wings as they hang beneath the flower. This is sometimes called 'buzz pollination'.

We have a vigorous South American relative, Solanum crispum, growing against our garage wall. Currently it is flowering profusely but has disappointingly pale flowers. However it is regularly visited by bees. This species is frequently known as the Chilean potato vine.


Reference


Wright, John (2016) A Natural History of the Hedgerow  Profile Books