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Wild Tomato - Solanum orbiculatum (Round leaved solanum) seeds

Wild Tomato - Solanum orbiculatum (Round leaved solanum) seeds

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WILD TOMATO / ROUND-LEAVED SOLANUM
Scientific Name: Solanum orbiculatum

Quick Facts

  • Height: 1–1.5 meters.
  • Foliage: Yellow-green, rounded leaves with fine hairs, giving a silvery or rusty appearance.
  • Fruit: Round, ~1 cm in diameter; marbled green, turning ivory-cream, and brown when dry.
  • Habitat: Native to spinifex sandplains, sandhills, and dunes of Central Australia; also found in rocky sites in Western Australia and parts of South Australia.
  • Flowering and Fruiting: Mainly fruits in summer and autumn.

Why Grow Wild Tomato?

  • Unique Native Shrub: Compact, rounded form with soft, silvery foliage that adds texture to arid landscapes.
  • Cultural Significance: An important bush food source for Indigenous Australians.
  • Drought Hardy: Thrives in harsh, arid environments, requiring minimal maintenance once established.

Bush Food Note

  • Fruit: Eaten fresh by Indigenous Australians as bush tucker.
  • Caution: The fruit is bitter, and its edibility should only be explored by those with traditional knowledge or expert guidance.

Important Warning

A number of Solanum species contain high levels of solanine, a compound that can be highly poisonous. Do not consume unless the plant has been positively identified by a qualified expert.

How to Grow

Planting Tips

  • Position: Full sun in sandy, well-drained soil.
  • Watering: Minimal once established; adapted to arid conditions.
  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance shrub ideal for native or xeriscape gardens.

Germination

  • Pre-treatment:
    • Soak seeds in gibberellic acid or smoke water for enhanced germination.
    • Smoke isolate karrikinolide can also promote seed germination.
  • Sowing: Sow seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed mix and cover lightly.
  • Time: Germination typically improves with pre-treatment and occurs over several weeks.

Uses in Your Garden

  • Erosion Control: Thrives on sandy and rocky soils, stabilizing slopes and dunes.
  • Ornamental: The silvery foliage and unique fruits make it a standout addition to arid landscapes.
  • Cultural Connection: A living piece of Australia’s bush food heritage.

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Add the Solanum orbiculatum to your garden for a truly Australian native touch. Its resilience, beauty, and cultural significance make it a unique and hardy choice for any landscape.