Λαοπομήλορο, Πομηλόχορτον, Πομηλορκά του λαού, Σταφύλιν του λαού, Σταφύλιν τ' Άη Γιωρκού, Αρκοπομηλορκά, Σολάνο το τριχωτό
Etymology of Solanum villosum: Pliny was the first to use this word to name "Solanum" generic name was first used by Pliny the Elder (AD 23–79) for a plant also known as "strychnos" (from ancient Greek "στρύχνος"), most likely Solanum nigrum. A possible etymology considers that it could derive from the Latin "sol" + the suffix "-anus", meaning "sun" referring to its status as a plant of the sun or from "solor" + the suffix "-nus" meaning "the one that soothes, comforts", referring to Solanum nigrum's healing properties. Latin "villosum" means "shaggy", for the dense, though not prickly, hairs all over its stems and leaves.
In total there are at least 4 species/kinds of the Solanum genus in the wild Cypriot habitat.
Solanum villosum is a relatively common, indigenous but non-endemic plant in Cyprus. It does not appear in eastern Cyprus. It primarily grows in cultivated fields and appears up to an altitude of 1350 metres. Its flowering period is usually between December and June but it can be seen flowering all year long.
The plant has medicinal properties because it contains solanine, which has painkiller and narcotic properties. In earlier times, in Cyprus, from the fruits of the plant, they made a "paste" that was given to children with stomach disorders or abdominal pains. The children also used to eat the tiny pea-sized fruits of the plant, but when they consumed many, they showed symptoms of solanine. Such fruits were also given to infants who had pains when their teeth grew.
