Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Solanum heterodoxum Dunal
(Melon Leaf Nightshade)
Family: Solanaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
By var., see Allred
Solanum heterodoxum is a very prickly prostrate herb with irregularly divided sinuate pinnatifid or bipinnatifid leaves. The flowers are purple in contrast to the bright yellow flowers of the otherwise similar Solanum rostratum. Note in the photographs that the stamens open by terminal pores. Both species are found in dry sandy areas.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Solanum heterodoxum, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., Sept. 7, 2007
Solanum heterodoxum, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Denise Friedrick & Bill Norris, Burro Mtns., Newby Rd., June 7, 2009
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