Solanum opacum

Dark Nightshade

Sprawling annual herb with downy hairs.

FamilySolanaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeprostrate-low x 1 m
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesEgg-shaped to lance-shaped leaves 3-7 cm x 1-4 cm with tapering tip and base, margins shallowly lobed, on stalk to 4 cm long.
Flower colourWhite
Flowering timeSeptember to February
FlowersAxillary clusters of 2-5 flat star-shaped flowers to 12 mm across, flower lobes oblong. Round green berry.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to wet soil in wet tall open forest. Dappled shade. Limited distribution within the Shire.
Garden useQuick-growing annual for ferneries and moist gullies.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites.