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Solanum prinophyllum

Forest Nightshade

Sprawling dark green to purplish-green short-lived perennial herb or subshrub with scattered prickles to 10mm over the entire plant.

Additional information

  • FamilySolanaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size15-30 cm x 30-50 cm
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesLance-shaped to elliptic deeply triangular-lobed leaves 5-8 cm x 3-5 cm, margins toothed to lobed.
  • Flower colourLilac-blue
  • Flowering timeSeptember to April
  • FlowersClusters of 1-6 open flowers to 20 mm wide, calyx lobes narrow and pointed. Berry green with marbled purplish tinge when ripe.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist soils in moist to wet forests and rainforests. Frost tolerant. Dappled shade.
  • Garden useAttractive flowers and leaves makes this an interesting plant for shady moist gardens. Berries not edible.
  • Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photographer/s: 1, 4 Healesville Sanctuary ©; 2 Marc Freestone, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©; 3 Marilyn Bull ©

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