Phylogenetic relationships among the "spiny solanums" (Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum, Solanaceae)

Species of Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum comprise almost one third of the genus and are distributed worldwide. Members of this group are defined by their sharp epidermal prickles; thus, they are commonly referred to as the ˜spiny solanums." This subgenus includes a number of economically important species such as the Old World eggplants, as well as locally cultivated New World species such as the naranjilla and cocona.