Latin name: Solanum xanti A. Gray Pronunciation: so-LAY-num ZAN-tee Common name: Purple nightshade Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade) Habitat: Shrubland, oak/pine woodland, conifer forest, California Floristic Province, northern desert mountains Blooming period: February to June Name derivations: 1) Solanum 2) xanti NOTE: It appears that S. xanti and S. umbelliferum may be merged into a single species, but the Jepson Manual is maintaining each as a separate taxon while also saying they may hybridize and need further study. The key is for umbelliferum upper leaf stem hairs branched and for xanti zero or simple.