Solanum americanum

Common name: Glossy Nightshade

Meaning of name:

Solanum was the Latin name used by Pliny for the nightshade. Americanum is from the Latin word americanus, meaning American.

Distribution:

Occurs in near-coastal parts of the southwest of Western Australia. Also occurs in northern and eastern Australia.

Description:

A herb or shrub to 1.3 metres tall. The white flowers are produced from June to September, followed by green, ripening to purple to black, berries.

Notes:

This species is originally from America.

References:

Western Weeds, A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. BMJ Hussey, GJ Keighery, J Dodd, SG Lloyd, RD Cousens. 1997.

Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings, a Glossary. FA Sharr. 1996.

Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987.