African nightshades are several species of plants in the section Solanum of the genus Solanum , that are commonly consumed as leafy vegetables and herbs . Solanum is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants , which include two food crops of high economic importance , the potato and the tomato . It also contains the nightshades and horse nettles , as well as numerous plants cultivated for their ornamental flowers and fruit . Solanum species show a wide range of growing habits , such as annual and perennials , vines , subshrubs , shrubs , and small trees .
Solanum contains plants with vegetables.