Species of flowering plant
 ;templatestyles src="Template:Taxobox/core/styles.css" / ;
Solanum bellum is a species of flowering plant in the family Solanaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador.
Taxonomy.
The species was first scientifically described by the American botanist Sandra Knapp in 1986. The species epithet|specific epithet "bellum" (from the Latin for "beautiful") refers to the plant's delicate, attractive appearance.
The species belongs to section "Geminata" of the genus "Solanum", and is closely related to a group of small-flowered species from Colombia's Chocó region, including "S. triplinervium". It is the only member of this group found on the eastern slopes of the Andes.
Description.
"Solanum bellum" is a delicate shrub or slender small tree growing to in height. Its young stems are smooth ( ;dfn id="" ;glabrous ;/dfn ;), shiny and green, developing grey bark as they age. The species features simple leaves arranged singly along the stem ( ;dfn id="" ;unifoliate ;/dfn ;), rather than in pairs. These leaves are lance-shaped to elliptical, measuring long and wide, with a pointed tip and base. The leaves are smooth on both surfaces, with the underside distinctly paler than the upper surface.
The flowers are small and white, appearing in simple clusters opposite the leaves. Each flower cluster (inflorescence) is quite short at 3–5 mm long, bearing 3–6 flowers. Individual flowers measure 4–5 mm across, with petals that fold backwards when fully open. The flowers can be either 'long-styled' or 'short-styled', referring to the length of the female reproductive organ (pistil) within the flower.
The fruit is a round, green berry approximately in diameter, held on woody stalks that stand upright. When growing in full sunlight, its leaves develop a distinctive silvery sheen, a characteristic that sets it apart from related species.
Habitat and distribution.
"Solanum bellum" occurs in wet forest understory at elevations between . The species is endemic to eastern Ecuador, where it is known from only three localities within about of each other in the middle Pastaza River drainage basin. It has been collected near Palora, along the Río Metzera Grande, and on the western slopes of the Cordillera de Cutucú. Additional populations may exist at higher altitudes in the Cutucú and Huacamayos mountain ranges.
Conservation.
"Solanum bellum" is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. While no specific threats have been identified beyond habitat destruction, the species' conservation status is concerning as it is not known to occur within any of Ecuador's protected areas. However, researchers believe it may be present in Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park and possibly Yasuní National Park, though this has not been confirmed. The species' conservation status was last assessed in 2004 and has been flagged as needing updating.
References.
 ;templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" / ;