Solanum cinereum

Family Solanaceae

Erect or bushy, hairy shrub to 1 m high, with prickles on most parts. Longevity 5-10 years.

Flowers: Purple, August – December. Possibly buzz-pollinated.

Fruit: Dark brown berry 15–20 mm diameter. Possibly bird  or animal dispersed.

Seed: 100–200 seeds per fruit. Some dormancy. Germination triggered by treatment with smoke water.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Woodland habitat.
• Occasional in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Probably resprouts after fire.