Solanum seaforthianum Andrews
24 x 30 cm
Watercolour on paper
2024
Beautiful Nightshade
IDR 1.600.000
Solanum seaforthianum Andrews, one of the types of nightshade known as Brazilian nightshade. This plant originates from the Latin American region and is considered an invasive species in Indonesia. The characteristics of its flowers and fruits exhibit typical traits of the Solanum family.
However, what sets it apart from most is its trailing habit. Thus, each cluster of flowers that appears at the end of its branches will dangle downwards, displaying vibrant purple hues when in bloom. Combined with its bright red ripe fruits, it creates a striking contrast and enhances its beauty.
Indeed, it is beautiful, but unfortunately, behind its beauty, this plant has toxic effects if consumed by humans.
Rusdi Hartono Setiawan
Rusdi Hartono Setiawan was born in Jember in 1993. Since childhood, he has had a greater interest in the world of botany. This is due to his parents’ background in farming, which gave him more opportunities to interact with various plants.
While pursuing his undergraduate studies in Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), he took many courses related to plant systematics and became a laboratory assistant. His love for plants did not stop there; he actively engaged in nature-loving activities, which provided him with more opportunities to interact with nature and get to know various plants in their natural habitats.
In 2018, he first encountered IDSBA and joined this community in late 2021 until now. The botanical art introduced by IDSBA artists resonates with his personal experience. For him, recognizing and interpreting plant characteristics through botanical illustrations holds its own solemnity.