Solanaceae

Solanum mauritianum

Common Names: Tobacco bush

Plant Form: Shrub or small tree. Size: Up to 4 m tall. Stem: Grey-green, sometimes covered in small white hairs, up to 15 cm diameter in cross section. Leaves: Densely hairy, yellowish-green above and paler greyish-green underneath. 9-30 cm long, tapering at both ends. With strong diesel-like smell when crushed. Flowers: Bluish or purplish with bright yellow centres, typical nightshade flowers. Star-shaped with 5 petals, and in clusters. Fruit and Seeds: Round 10-15 mm diameter in clusters. Green ripening to dull yellow. Containing 150-200 seeds. Habitat: Pastures, plantations, bushland, rainforest edges. Distinguishing Features: Size and growth habit distinguish from other Nightshades (Solanum sp).

Large felty leaves

Small tree with purple flowers

Fruit clusters turn yellow when ripe

Flowers (RG FJ Richardson)