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Lycium australe

Lycium australe F.Muell.
Lycium australe
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Lycium australe, known as the Australian boxthorn, is a spiny shrub native to Australia. It belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae, and is characterized by its sharp woody spines, small leaves, and tiny berries. It is closely related to Lycium ferocissimum, an invasive species in several regions.

Description

Lycium australe is a member of the genus Lycium and is found in the states of New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. The species was first described in 1858 by Ferdinand von Mueller. It is distinguished by its spiny stems and small, inconspicuous berries. While it is a native plant, its close relative, Lycium ferocissimum, has become an invasive weed in Australia, New Zealand, and Cyprus.

Distribution

New South Wales · South Australia · Victoria · Western Australia

Related species