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Solanum insanum

Solanum insanum

Timor-Leste
Status
Not Evaluated

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Grassland, Ocean, Desert, Mountain

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
C3 autotrophic photosynthesis, deep root mineral absorption, and carbon sequestration

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
deciduous summer foliage, vernal flowering, and seasonal seed dispersal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Distribution (Figure 3) Solanum insanum occurs throughout south and southeast Asia, from eastern Pakistan extending southwestwards to the Indian Ocean islands of Madagascar and Mauritius (where itmay have been taken by people) and eastwards to the Philippines. Bean (2012 onwards) reports S. insanum as naturalized in Queensland; this is certainly an introduction. Solanum insanum has been cited as occurring in Afghanistan (https: // training. ars-grin. gov / gringlobal / taxonomydetail. aspx? id = 462492), but no specimens or references are cited. We have seen no herbarium specimens of S. insanum from Afghanistan, but the related species S. incanum is known from Iran, Afghanistan and western Pakistan in desert areas.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Solanum insanum is officially designated as Not Evaluated. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to grassland, ocean, desert, mountain, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of c3 autotrophic photosynthesis, deep root mineral absorption, and carbon sequestration. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a deciduous summer foliage, vernal flowering, and seasonal seed dispersal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 150 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Solanum insanum.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeTimor-Leste
Habitat RangeGrassland, Ocean, Desert, Mountain
Lifespan150 Yrs
StatusData Deficient
ScientificSolanum insanum
Registry Info
Lifespan150 years
KingdomPlantae
FamilySolanaceae