Description
Common names
Oondoroo, Oondooroo.
Scientific names
Solanum simile.
Family
Solanaceae.
Genus
Solanum.
Rainfall
Less than 650mm.
Growth rate
Fast.
Growth height
Up to 2m.
Presence in Australia
A rare plant of the area, noted in a few scattered locations, including on the lower country of Long Plain-West Hume and in The Rock-Henty-Milbrulong region (east of Pleasant Hills on stony country). Likely to have been more common throughout the region.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: NSW, Vic, SA, NT, WA.
Habitat
Drier disturbed areas, gravel creekbanks and roadside verges. Mainly red earths in communities including White Cypress Pine, Wilga and Belah.
Habit
Erect, hairless shrub to 2m high. Deep-green leaves 3-8cm long.
Flowering
Purple, chiefly spring.
Seed collection
Mid Dec to mid Mar. Globular berry. Monitor closely as mature fruits shed in 3-14 days.
Propagation
From fresh seed. Wash before sowing. Germinates in 3-6 weeks. Suitable for direct seeding into pots.
Regeneration
Abundant after fire.
Land protection
A useful "pioneer" plant for revegetation works, establishing quickly and providing shelter for slower growing species.