Scientists have identified a rare Andean forest tree related to tomatoes and potatoes as a plant group never named before.
The discovery redraws part of the nightshade family and ties the tree to plant chemicals with medical power.
Scientists: <discover new plant related to food crops>
Humanity:
…but seriously though, is it? 😋
The fruits are woody and the leaves have neurologically active alkaloids so I’m assuming it’s not edible but I don’t know for sure.
Oh, so new drugs have been found. Cool!
Yeah but they may not be the fun kind.
It is somewhat related to Datura which is a drug but not generally too enjoyable from what I’ve read.
Well, I was thinking more medicinal drugs than fun drugs — though I know there are people who get “high” off Datura. Doesn’t sound pleasant.
So you’re saying we need to do some selective breeding before they make a commercially-viable crop, got it.
Maybe that’s what happens when a tornado meets a volcano and eats a potaoe with a side of tomatoe!
I want potato tree. Now!
Exciting! Love tomatoes and potatoes. Can’t wait for the…whatever plant to be bred down to a form we can cook with!
Well… endangered rainforest trees usually don’t get targeted for domestication. But luckily there are already a lot of obscure crops in this family you can try out if you have not already done so.
I’m growing pepinos right now for the first time. Haven’t got to try them yet but I’m looking forward to it.
