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.
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Scientists: <discover new plant related to food crops>
Humanity:
…but seriously though, is it? 😋
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.
So you’re saying we need to do some selective breeding before they make a commercially-viable crop, got it.
Oh, so new drugs have been found. Cool!
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.
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.
Exciting! Love tomatoes and potatoes. Can’t wait for the…whatever plant to be bred down to a form we can cook with!
Maybe that’s what happens when a tornado meets a volcano and eats a potaoe with a side of tomatoe!
