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This is a shrubby plant > Link which sprouts long and straggling branches, trailing over adjacent bushes. The bluish-purple flowers are open all summer and have bright yellow stamens projecting in a conical form. The berries are green at first, later becoming orange and finally bright red. Also known as Bittersweet, this plant contains solanine, an alkaloid glycoside, which increases bodily secretions and leads to vomiting and convulsions. The strength of its actions is said to be very dependent on the soil in which it grows with light, dry soils increasing its effects. Though the berries are very attractive the bitter taste is a disincentive for the majority of people, especially children. The old herbalists called the plant 'Woody Nightshade' to distinguish it from the 'Deadly Nightshade'. Some members of the Solanum family are highly toxic, but others, including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco are widely used.