Solanales

Order of Lamiids

Food, Plant source foods, Flowering plats (angiospermae), Mesangiosperms, Eudicots, Core eudicots, Superastierds, Asterids, Lamiids

Consumption area(s): Earth

Note: For better understanding, please read the article on flowering plants (angiospermae) first. If you come across unfamiliar words, you can click on any highlighted term to open the glossary with definitions of key botanical terms.

Introduction

The Solanales represent a group of flowering plants classified within the asterid clade of the core eudicots. This order includes several species that are widely recognized for their economic and culinary importance. Among the most familiar members are the potato, tomato, eggplant, and chili pepper, all of which are staples in various global cuisines. Historically, certain texts referred to this plant order with the alternative name Polemoniales, though this term is no longer commonly used in modern classifications.

Description of Solanales

This group includes both herbaceous and woody plants. Their foliage tends to be alternately arranged, rather oppositly. Floral structure is most often radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), while zygomorphic flowers appear only in a minority of taxa. A distinctive trait is that the calyx remains attached to the fruit even after it has ripened.

Classification of Solanales

The order Solanales is divided into several families. Among them are:

• Convolvulaceae (sweet potatoes)
• Solanaceae (bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplants, goji berries, potatoes, tomatoes)