1.
*Solanum flowers and fruit
2. Cyphanthera tasmanica
3. *Solanum nigrum (Black nightshade)
4. Solanum laciniatum
5. *Lycium ferocissimum (African box thorn)
* introduced species
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nightshade family is widespread and very diverse family,
with relatively few species in Tasmania. A few species are
native, but there are also many naturalised herbs, shrubs
and climbers. The diverse character of the family makes it
difficult to find distinctive features which are
characteristic of the whole family. The corolla is usually
fused, with five lobes and is usually symmetrical and
conical. The native shrub, Cyphanthera tasmanica,
has an asymmetrical corolla. The stamens are usually the
same number as the petals, and attached to the corolla
(usually right at the base). In Solanum they form a
cone around the style. The ovary is superior with 2-5
locules, but the ovary and fruit are usually not lobed.
There is a single style, but sometimes more than one stigma.
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University of Tasmania
