Flora Detail

Common Name Drunken Berry, Dune Nightshade, Dronkbessie (Afr.)
Family Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Date Observed 14-07-2021
Category Bushes
Catalogue No. 4418RGu
Flowering Time Spring,Autumn,Winter
Colour Blue to Purple
Locations Observed
Estuary Few
Koppie
Nature Reserve Few
Small Holding
Village Few
Greater Rooiels

Solanum africanum

Information

Drunken Berry, Dune Nightshade, Dronkbessie (Afr.)

Solanum africanum (Dune Nightshade or Dronkbessie) is a hardy, perennial shrub endemic to South African coastal dunes, growing up to 3m with scrambling, angled stems. It features purple/white flowers, purplish-black fruit, and is used for stabilization. It is generally considered non-edible. 
Key Details:
Common Names: Dune Nightshade, Dronkbessie, DronktouDune Nightshade (Solanum Africanum) 
Habitat: Coastal dunes, thickets, and bushveld in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal
Growth Form: A scrambling, semi-succulent, or woody shrub/creeper, reaching up to 3-6m in length
Appearance: Leaves are somewhat fleshy, lanceolate to ovate, and sometimes lobed. Young stems are characteristically square (quadrangular)
Flowers: Small (10mm) flowers, typically purple, mauve, or white with a yellow center, appearing in clusters from January to October
Fruit: Small (15mm) dark purple to black, poisonous/non-edible berries
Cultivation: Thrives in full sun, well-drained, sandy soil
Uses: Ideal for stabilizing soil, covering fences, or as an ornamental plant
(AI Overview)

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