Key to the groups of Solanum in continental Africa, Madagascar

1. Trichomes of stems and leaves stellate or echinoid

1.1. Anthers tapering in outline; inflorescences branched or unbranched; branching monochasial; stems with or without prickles

1.1.1. Leptostemonum Clade

1.2. Anthers ellipsoid in outline; inflorescences many times branched; branching dichasial; stems without prickles .

1.2.1. Brevantherum Clade

2. Trichomes of stems and leaves simple (unbranched) or dendritically branched, never stellate or echinoid

2.1. Shrubs, small trees or woody vines

2.1.1. Stems with hooked prickles; anthers tapering

2.1.1.1. .Solanum wendlandii Hook.f. (Wendlandii-Allophyllum Clade)

2.1.2. Stems without prickles; anthers ellipsoid

2.1.2.1. Small trees with foetid cordate leaves; flowers waxy pink or greenish white; anther connectives enlarged; fruit a large turbinate berry with fleshy pulp

2.1.2.1.1. Solanum betaceum Cav. (Pachyphylla [Cyphomandra] Clade)

2.2. Herbs or if plants woody, only at the base; never true vines, occasionally scandent