Solanum crebrispinum
NameSolanum crebrispinum
Scientific NameSolanum crebrispinum
Common NamesBush Tomato, Spiny Nightshade
Plant FamilySolanaceae
Natural HabitatEndemic to arid and semi-arid regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, growing in open woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands on sandy or stony soils.
Parts Usedfruit,leaf
Medicinal Actionsanti-inflammatory,analgesic
Traditional UsesTraditionally, the ripe fruits of Solanum crebrispinum and related 'bush tomato' species are consumed as food by Indigenous Australians, sometimes after processing to reduce bitterness or toxicity. Leaves or other plant parts of some Solanum species have been traditionally used externally as poultices for skin ailments, sores, or to relieve pain and inflammation, though specific documentation for S. crebrispinum is limited and internal use is generally avoided due to toxicity.
Active Constituentssteroidal glycoalkaloids, solanine, solamargine, solasonine
Preparation Methodspoultice,raw,roasted
Contraindications & WarningsAll parts of the plant, especially unripe fruits and vegetative parts, contain toxic steroidal glycoalkaloids. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, and is potentially fatal. Not recommended for internal medicinal use without expert knowledge and traditional processing.
Cultivation NotesThis drought-tolerant shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained, often sandy or stony soils typical of arid environments. It can be propagated from seed.
Raritycommon
Description
A spiny, erect shrub typically 0.5-2 meters tall, characterized by densely hairy, greyish-green leaves and star-shaped purple flowers with prominent yellow anthers. It produces globular berries that are green when unripe and ripen to yellow or orange.
