Solanum linnaeanum Hep. & Jaeg.

Spice Flower Fruit In the field

Family: SOLANACEAE

Genus: Solanum

Sinònims: Solanum sodomeum L.

Catalan common name: Metzines. Metzines de pometa.

Spanish common name: Manzanillas. Pelotillas. Tomateras del diablo.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Africa

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Nanophanerophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Path and road sides.

Characteristics: An easily identifiable bush due to its leaves, which have a lobulate margin and quite long, sharp spines on the nerves. It forms rounded fruits, like small tomatos but yellow, which are also very charateristic. This plant can be found on its own or forming little circular groups, generally near farming houses and country residences. It can be in flower most of the year round, but especially at the end of winter and spring. It is a poisonous plant, originally from South Africa.