This week we have a plant that is a southwestern specialist.
You might have seen the seeds of relatives of this plant, however.
By the way, the botanical term for these hairy seeds is that they are “sericeous.”
Do you recognize what plant these seeds are from? If you choose to, please leave a comment with your ideas.
Mystery Seed answers and new Mystery Seeds are posted on Tuesdays.
Edit:Â The answer is now posted.
As Craig figured out, our mystery seeds from last week were from plants of the genus Solanum.
The seeds were from the above plants, which are silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium), I believe.
The plants have silvery green leaves…
and purple flowers.
The seeds are found in bright orange-yellow fruit.
Several nightshades in the genus Solanum grow in Arizona.
This is the similar Sonoran or Hinds’ nightshade, Solanum hindsianum.
The Sonoran nightshade has smaller leaves.
Of course, you might recognize some other members of the genus, such as Solanum lycopersicum, or tomatoes.
Another common member of the same family (Solanaceae) is the blue potato bush vine, a landscape plant that is buzz pollinated by bees. It used to be called Solanum rantonnetii, but has recently been moved to the genus Lycianthes. As you can see, the purple flowers are similar in structure to the nightshades above.
Doe silverleaf nightshade grow where you live? What about other members of the genus Solanum?
We’re back with a new mystery seed.
You have probably seen the seeds of distant relatives of this plant.
These particular seeds belong to a wild, weedy version (the white object is a rice grain added for scale).
Do you recognize what plant these seeds are from? If you choose to, please leave a comment with your ideas.
Mystery Seed answers and new Mystery Seeds are posted on Tuesdays.
Edit:Â The answer is now posted.
For more information, see Roberta Gibson Writes.
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