Solanaceae, the Nightshade or Potato family, are herbs, shrubs, vines, or trees with often showy flowers, generally in branched clusters. There are about 85 genera and 2,300 species worldwide, mostly growing in tropical and warm temperature regions, especially in Central and South America. Several are poisonous, but others supply foods such as chili, bell pepper, tomato, potato, eggplant, and groundcherry. Tobacco comes from the family. Petunia, Painted-Tongue, and Butterfly Flower are grown as ornamentals.
The flowers are usually radially symmetrical with 5 united sepals, 5 petals, united at base. Stamens are usually 5, sometimes fewer. All these parts are attached at the base of the ovary. The leaves are alternate, simple or lobed. The fruit is a berry or 2-chambered capsule.