| Solanum
is a large, worldwide genus that is represented in Tasmania by three
native and seven introduced species. These include shrubs (e.g. the
native species, S. laciniatum and S. opacum, and the
introduced S. marginatum), climbers (e.g. the introduced
species, S. dulcamara) and common herbaceous weeds (e.g. S.
nigrum). Some species are poisonous (e.g. the immature fruit of S.
laciniatum).
The spreading, but fused corolla with (typically) five stamens
with yellow anthers that sit together in a tube around the
style are distinctive. The unrelated Borago officinalis (Boraginaceae)
has superficially similar flowers, but which have deeply lobed
ovaries.
|
Back
