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Solanum echinatum

Solanum echinatum

Australia, China
Status
Not Evaluated

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Desert

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
C3 autotrophic photosynthesis, deep root mineral absorption, and carbon sequestration

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
deciduous summer foliage, vernal flowering, and seasonal seed dispersal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

<div><p>Key to species in the Solanum echinatum group</p> <p>1a. Stellate hairs 0.3–0.6 mm diameter on branchlets and petioles, central ray 0.3–1.2 times length of lateral rays; all stellate hairs on fruiting calyx with stalks <0.5 mm long; proto-prickles absent........................................................ 2</p> <p>1b. Stellate hairs 0.6–1.1 mm diameter on branchlets and petioles, central ray 1–1.8 times length of lateral rays; some of the stellate hairs on fruiting calyx with stalks> 0.8 mm long, proto-prickles sometimes present............................... 6</p> <p>2a. Prickles on fruiting calyx 40–70, with hairs extending to distal half of prickle; leaves broadly-ovate, 2.1–3.8 cm long............................................................................................................................................................. S. medicagineum</p> <p>2b. Prickles on fruiting calyx>100, with stellate hairs only near base; leaves ovate, 3–13.3 cm long............................. 3</p> <p>3a. Corolla 12–16 mm long; filaments 2–2.8 mm long..................................................................................................... 4</p> <p>3b. Corolla 7–11mm long; filaments 1–1.9 mm long......................................................................................................... 5</p> <p>4a. Branchlet prickles 0.5–3 mm long, 6–9 times longer than wide; prickles absent from petioles; stellate hairs of lower leaf surface 0.3–0.4 mm diameter; inflorescence 3–5-flowered.................................................................. S. wilkinsii</p> <p>4b. Branchlet prickles 2–8 mm long, 10–13 times longer than wide; prickles present on petioles; stellate hairs of lower leaf surface 0.5–0.7 mm diameter; inflorescence 6–11-flowered.............................................................. S. fecundum</p> <p>5a. Upper leaf surface sparsely or moderately stellate-hairy, with central ray of stellate hairs 0.2–0.5 times length of laterals; branchlet prickles 1–23 per decimetre; style eccentric.................................................................. S. lapidosum</p> <p>5b. Upper leaf surface very densely stellate-hairy, with central ray of stellate hairs 0.7–1.0 times length of laterals; branchlet prickles 50–130/decimetre; style erect...................................................................................... S. rhaphiotes</p> <p>6a. Petioles 25–55% of lamina length; branchlet prickles 100–660 per decimetre; leaf margins often repand; calyx lobes 2.5–6 mm long at anthesis........................................................................................................................ S. echinatum</p> <p>Mistakenly labelled as 27F on page 794</p> <p>6b. Petioles 55–115% of lamina length; branchlet prickles 3–80 per decimetre; leaf margins entire; calyx lobes 1–2.5 mm long at anthesis........................................................................................................................................ S. lucani</p></div>
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Solanum echinatum is officially designated as Not Evaluated. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, desert, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of c3 autotrophic photosynthesis, deep root mineral absorption, and carbon sequestration. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a deciduous summer foliage, vernal flowering, and seasonal seed dispersal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 150 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Solanum echinatum.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeAustralia, China
Habitat RangeForest, Desert
Lifespan150 Yrs
StatusData Deficient
ScientificSolanum echinatum
Registry Info
Lifespan150 years
KingdomPlantae
FamilySolanaceae