Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Is the Royal Robe Potato Bush poisonous?
QUESTION:
I recently purchased two Lycianthus Rantonnei (Royal Robe Potato Bush)
which produce small purple flowers. I have been told by the botany dept at
Arizona State University that the stems and leaves are poisonous. However, the
poison control center and the nursery from which I bought them can find no
information on their toxicity. Would you please give me some insight on this
particular plant?
ANSWER:
Another name for this is Paraguay Nightshade, which might give you a hint as to
possible problems.
I have no direct experience or knowledge of this plant's toxicity, but it is
extremely likely that this member of the nightshade/tomato/potato family harbors
either one of the tropane alkaloids (such as the hyoscyamine of deadly nightshade)
or steroid glycoalkaloids (such as the solanine of green potatoes) or both. I
sure wouldn't try eating it...