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.
New tree genus discovered that is related to tomatoes and potatoes
https://www.earth.com/news/rare-tree-daturodendron-related-to-tomatoes-and-potatoes-found-in-andes/
9 Comments
grue@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 119d
Scientists:
Humanity:
...but seriously though, is it? 😋
LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net · 10 pts · 119d
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.
Jax@sh.itjust.works · 7 pts · 119d
Oh, so new drugs have been found. Cool!
LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net · 5 pts · 119d
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.
Jax@sh.itjust.works · 5 pts · 119d
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.
grue@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 119d
So you're saying we need to do some selective breeding before they make a commercially-viable crop, got it.
username_1@programming.dev · 6 pts · 119d
HubertManne@piefed.social · 2 pts · 119d
Maybe that's what happens when a tornado meets a volcano and eats a potaoe with a side of tomatoe!
RebekahWSD@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 119d
Exciting! Love tomatoes and potatoes. Can't wait for the...whatever plant to be bred down to a form we can cook with!
LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net · 2 pts · 118d
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.