Solanum prinophyllum

Family Solanaceae

Sprawling herb to 20 cm high, with prickles on most parts. Longevity 2 - 5 years.

Flowers: Lilac-blue, October - March. Probably buzz-pollinated.

Fruit: Green or purple berry, 15–20 mm diam., December–May. Possibly bird or animal dispersed.

Seed: Flattened disc shapped. Some dormancy. Soil stored seedbank. Germination stimulated by smoke water.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Woodland habitat in light shade.
• Occasional in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Seedlings noted on rabbit latrines and diggings, but no seedlings germinated from rabbit or macropod dung.
• Abundant seedlings noted after rain in burnt and unburnt sites.
• Killed by fire.