| Solanum sturtianum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Solanum |
| Species: | S. sturtianum |
| Binomial name | |
| Solanum sturtianum | |
Solanum sturtianum, commonly known as Thargomindah nightshade,[2] is a flowering plant in the family Solanaceae. It is an upright shrub with grey-green leaves and purple flowers. This species is endemic to Australia.
Description
Solanum sturtianum is a upright, perennial shrub to 3 m (9.8 ft) high with silvery to grey-green foliage with a dense covering of star-shaped, short, matted hairs. The branches have scattered, numerous or a scarce covering of prickles. The leaves are silvery green coloured, lance-shaped, 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in) long, 0.5–1.5 cm (0.20–0.59 in) wide, edges smooth, sometimes wavy, and the petiole 0.5–1.5 cm (0.20–0.59 in) long. The inflorescence consists of a few to about twelve flowers on a peduncle 0–15 mm (0.00–0.59 in) long, individual flowers on a pedicel 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) long. The purple corolla is star-shaped, circular and flattened, and 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) in diameter. Flowering may occur throughout the year and the fruit is a berry 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) in diameter, surface brittle and yellowish to brown-black.[2]
Taxonomy and naming
Solanum sturtianum was first formally described in 1854 by Ferdinand von Mueller and the description was published in Transactions of the Philosophical Society of Victoria.[3][4] The specific epithet (sturtianum) honours Charles Napier Sturt.[5]
Distribution and habitat
Thargomindah nightshade grows in arid areas of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.[2]
References
- ↑ "Solanum sturtianum". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- 1 2 3 Conn, B.J. "Solanum sturtianum". PlantNET-NSW flora online. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- ↑ von Mueller, Ferdinand (1855). "Solanum sturtianum". Transactions of the Philosophical Society of Victoria. 1: 19. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
- ↑ "Solanum sturtianum". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
- ↑ Sharr, Francis Aubie (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings. Kardinya, Western Australia: Four Gables Press. p. 19. ISBN 9780958034180.