LibertyLizard comments on New tree genus discovered that is related to tomatoes and potatoes

submitted 6 months ago by LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net to c/treehuggers@slrpnk.net

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.

[–] LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net [S] 10 points 6 months ago (4 children)

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.

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[–] Jax@sh.itjust.works 7 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Oh, so new drugs have been found. Cool!

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[–] LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net [S] 5 points 6 months ago (1 child)

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.

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[–] Jax@sh.itjust.works 5 points 6 months ago

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.

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[–] grue@lemmy.world 4 points 6 months ago

So you're saying we need to do some selective breeding before they make a commercially-viable crop, got it.

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