Solanum x aemulans

Description

Solanum x aemulans is an Argentinian nothospecies (natural hybrid) with a complex taxonomic history.  It was originally described as a species, then a variety of S. acaule, then a subspecies of S. acaule, back to a variety of S. acaule, and most recently as a naturally occuring hybrid of S. acaule x S. boliviense.  It isn’t clear how this would work.  S. acaule is typically 4x and 2EBN, while S. boliviense is 2x and 2EBN.  From this cross, the prediction would be 3x, 2EBN progeny.  There doesn’t appear to be any way for these species to produce a tetraploid.

The specific epithet, aemulans, means “similar” and was a reference to S. demissum according to Hawkes.  It is formed from the Latin word “aemulari,” for “to imitate.”  While there is no completely standardized pronunciation for scientific names, the most common way to pronounce this species is probably so-LAY-num cross EE-myoo-lans.

Resistances

Glykoalkaloid content

Images

Cultivation

I have found this species slow to germinating, taking about twice as long as S. tuberosum under the same conditions.

Breeding

Crosses with S. tuberosum

Crosses with other species

References

Solanum x aemulans at Solanaceae Source

Solanum x aemulans at GRIN Taxonomy