For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum)

Family Solanaceae
Also known as Bugweed or Bug Tree.



This is a very leafy shrub which grows to about 4m in height and an introduced alien species from South America now localized in many temperate countries.
The berries are eagerly eaten by bird which distribute the seeds.
 Certain Skippers lay their eggs on the leaves for the hatching larvae to eat.