Solanum aculeastrum

Solanum aculeastrum has a spiny stem and is recognised by its bright yellow berry, which is often compared to lemons.

Solanum aculeastrum is found in Africa and is most abundant across Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Solanum aculeastrum has a wide range of uses, it is

commonly planted as a hedge
placed across the roads to prevent vehicle access - spines are hard enough to rupture tyres
some varieties have edible fruit
medicine
- the fruit and leaves are used in the
  - treatment of swelling joints in fingers
  - to prevent gangrene
- drying and pounding roots
  - taking a little on tongue twice daily for an enlarged spleen
  - as eyewash.

Species detail

Taxonomy

Learn about the form and structure of Solanum aculeastrum and get a diagnostic description of the species.
Distribution and habitat

Discover the areas of Africa where Solanum aculeastrum is found and the types of habitat it grows in.
Biology

Learn information regarding the size of Solanum aculeastrum, how it is pollinated and the means by which it is dispersed.
Uses

Solanum aculeastrum has a wide variety of uses, learn more about how it is used in everyday life and find out vernacular names for the species.
Conservation

Find out the conservation status for Solanum aculeastrum and learn about potential threats facing its survival.
References

Get reference material for Solanum aculeastrum.

Images

Solanum aculeastrum

Solanum aculeastrum flowers are white or rarely pale purple.

In the Kenyan and north Tanzanian highlands Solanum aculeastrum can be recognised by its globose to elliptic or pyriform fruit less than two times longer than wide.

Solanum aculeastrum flowers.

Solanum aculeastrum occurs in forest margins, grassland, scrub, and open disturbed places at 1200-2100m elevation, occasionally found up to 3200m elevation.