An order of flowering plants, division Magnoliophyta, in the euasterid I group of the asterid eudicotyledons. The order consists of two large and three small families, of approximately 4275 species. Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae account for all but 25 of the species. Solanales are generally characterized by sympetalous flowers with a superior ovary, and alternate leaves. See also Asteridae; Flower; Fruit; Leaf; Magnoliophyta; Magnoliopsida.
Solanaceae, approximately 2600 species, are cosmopolitan herbs, shrubs, lianas, and trees, with branched hairs and often spines and alkaloids. The family is of great economic significance, yielding potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant (Solanum), peppers (Capsicum), tobacco (Nicotiana) and many ornamentals. Deadly nightshade (Atropa), jimson weed (Datura), and henbane (Hyoscyamus) are well-known poisonous members of the family. See also Belladonna; Eggplant; Pepper; Potato, Irish; Solanales; Tobacco.
Convolvulaceae, approximately 1650 species, include herbaceous and woody members that are often climbers. The main economic crop is sweet potato (Ipomoea), but the family also includes ornamentals (morning glory, Ipomoea; and Convolvulus), noxious weeds (Calystegia and Convolvulus), and parasites (Cuscuta). See also Potato, sweet; Weeds.
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