Solanum mauritianum
| Earleaf nightshade | |
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| Genus: | Solanum
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| Species: | S. mauritianum
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Solanum mauritianum Woolly nightshade is a highly invasive small tree or shrub which can grow to a height of ten meters. It's large oval leaves are grey-green in color and covered with felt like hairs. The flower is purple with a yellow center. The plant can flower year round but fruiting occurs in late spring to early summer. Woolly nightshade is tolerant of many soil types and quickly becomes established around plantations, forest margins, scrub and open land. The plant has a life of up to thirty years.
While native to South America it became established in New Zealand by 1880. It is now well established there from Taupo northward. Woolly nightshade is poisonous and handling the plants can cause irritation and nausea. The dust from the plant can cause respiratory problems if exposure is prolonged. Because of its ability to affect human health and because of its aggressive and fast growing character it is illegal in some areas of New Zealand to sell, propagate or distribute any part of the plant.In New Zealand, Solanum mauritianum is also called Earleaf nightshade, Tobacco weed, Flannel weed and Kerosene plant.
In Australia, particularly on the east coast, this plant has become an invasive weed, and is known colloquially as wild tobacco, though Australia possesses many plants of the Nicotiana genus which are more correctly known as wild tobaccos.
The plant is also referred to as bugweed.