Solanum mauritianum
Earleaf nightshade
(c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · licence
Family: Solanaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree
Solanum mauritianum (Earleaf nightshade) is a California shrub / tree in the Solanaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by large size and stipule-like auxiliary leaves.
Earleaf nightshade is a naturalized shrub found in disturbed sites and riparian areas at elevations up to 750 meters. Flowering with purple flowers 10 to 20 millimeters in diameter, with flower lobes sometimes featuring darker purple bases and white midribs. Growing as a densely hairy shrub or small tree up to 12 meters tall with unarmed branches covered in white, branched hairs. Its leaves are large, 10 to 30 centimeters long, elliptic to ovate, with smaller stipule-like leaves in the axils and notably more dense hair on the underside. The fruit is a spheric, yellow, hairy structure approximately 10 to 15 millimeters in size.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated. Distinguished by large size and stipule-like auxiliary leaves.
Habitat and range
Habitat: escaped from cultivation, disturbed sites, riparian areas, sometimes locally invasive
Elevation: <= 750 m
Outside California: native to South America, introduced in southern Asia, Africa, Atlantic Islands, Indian Ocean Islands, Pacific Islands, Australia
How to tell it apart
vs Lycianthes: Solanum anthers open by pores at tips; Lycianthes anthers split lengthwise.; vs Physalis: Solanum lacks papery lantern around fruit; Physalis has distinctive inflated calyx covering the berry.; vs Phacelia: Solanum has yellow anther cone; Phacelia has protruding stamens and coiled flower clusters.; vs Capsicum: Solanum has rotate star flowers; Capsicum has flowers with spreading petals not forming flat star.; vs Salvia: Solanum has 5 stamens forming yellow cone; Salvia has 2 stamens and square stems.
Frequently asked questions
What plant family does Solanum mauritianum belong to?
Solanum mauritianum is in the Solanaceae family, genus Solanum.
What habitat does Solanum mauritianum grow in?
Solanum mauritianum grows in escaped from cultivation, disturbed sites, riparian areas, sometimes locally invasive.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.