What is the Difference Between Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae?

The main difference between Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae lies in the fact that Convolvulaceae, also known as the morning glory family, consists of herbs, shrubs, and twiners, while Solanaceae, also known as the nightshade family, includes a wide range of plant types such as vines, lianas, epiphytes, shrubs, and trees.

Here are some key differences between the two families:

• Family: Convolvulaceae is the morning glory family, while Solanaceae is the nightshade family.
• Species: Convolvulaceae has more than 1,600 species in 60 genera, while Solanaceae has around 2,700 species in 98 genera.
• Leaves: Convolvulaceae leaves are simple and alternate, while Solanaceae leaves can be alternate, opposite, or both.
• Inflorescence: Convolvulaceae inflorescences can be solitary or cymose, while Solanaceae inflorescences are usually cymose.
• Flower Shape: Convolvulaceae flowers are funnel-shaped and radially symmetrical, while Solanaceae flowers can be campanulate, rotate, or rarely zygomorphic.
• Habit: Convolvulaceae plants are typically herbs, shrubs, and twiners, while Solanaceae plants can range from herbs to vines, lianas, epiphytes, shrubs, and trees.

Both families belong to the order Solanales and the Asterid group of dicotyledons. They share some common features, such as having flowers with five sepals, five petals, and five stamens, as well as superior gynoecium and the production of alkaloids.

Comparative Table: Convolvulaceae vs Solanaceae

Here is a table comparing the differences between Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae:

Both Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae are families of angiosperms belonging to the same order, Solanales, and share some similarities, such as having flowers with five sepals, five petals, and five stamens, and producing alkaloids. However, they also have distinct differences, as shown in the table above.