A major botanical discovery in the Andes Mountains has revealed a towering tree species closely related to everyday crops like tomatoes and potatoes, offering new insights into plant evolution.
After more than two decades of uncertainty, researchers have officially classified the mysterious 66-foot (20-meter) tree as a new genus named Daturodendron. The species belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes widely known plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.
The breakthrough was achieved by scientists from the University of Cartagena and the Royal Botanic Gardens, who used advanced genetic techniques to analyze nearly 300 genes. Their findings show that Daturodendron represents a “sister lineage” to other plants in its group, helping fill a long-standing gap in the evolutionary history of nightshade species.
Unlike its smaller relatives, which are typically herbaceous, Daturodendron grows as a large tree and features distinctive hanging flowers, strong corollas, and unique seed structures. It is part of the Datureae tribe, which also includes ornamental plants like angel’s trumpets.
Researchers say the discovery is significant not only for classification but also for understanding how different types of fruits evolved within the family. Genetic evidence suggests that the tree preserves traits from a common ancestor, shedding light on the transition from fleshy fruits to dry capsule-based ones seen in many related species.
The species has a very limited distribution, found only in high-altitude regions of Colombia and Peru. Scientists also note that it produces chemical compounds such as scopolamine and hyoscyamine, which are known for their medicinal as well as toxic properties.
Experts describe the discovery as a rare combination of ecological, evolutionary, and chemical importance, highlighting the Andes as a key region for biodiversity and scientific research.