white flower

Brazilian jasmine

Key West Field Guide, vegetable

Jasminum fluminense

Previously, this invasive plant was recognized as one of two different species in Florida, (J. azoricum and J. bahiense) based on minor appearances and geographic distributions, but the current accepted name is Jasminum fluminense.

  • Brazilian jasmine
  • 5-7 petals
  • tube is longer than petals and slightly curved

Black nightshade

Key West Field Guide, vegetable

Solanum chenopodioides

  • nodding flowers
  • multiple flowers
  • unripe green berries
  • ripe berries
  • underside of leaves
  • flowers, leaves, and fruits

Black nightshade (Solanum chenopodioides) growing curbside in Key West. The features that differentiate it from other nightshade species:

  • all surfaces with simple hairs
  • no stellate hairs
  • no prickles
  • black fruits when ripe

Find more info here.

Tearshrub

Key West Field Guide, vegetable

Vallesia antillana

  • Vallesia antillana flowers
  • Vallesia antillana fruit
  • Vallesia antillana fruit

An endangered species in the Florida Keys, this individual is being nurtured by the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. Someday, I hope to find a wild specimen.

Find more info here.

Tex-Mex tobacco

Key West Field Guide, vegetable

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia

Find more info here.

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia plant

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia flower

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia leaves

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia dried fruit on plant

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia fresh fruit

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia fruit (opened to show seed)

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia seed

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia seed