Last year, I posted for help identifying a real "Tim Burton" like weed which was identified as Buffalo Burr. This one is a deliberate addition because I just like it. Nothing seems to eat it...yet, though I know being a Solanum, it's likely quite toxic. But, the spines are beautiful, even if they eminiate from every plant surface. They glow in the direct sun much like the prickles on R. Omeiensis pteracantha. Like that rose, it does feel very prehistoric. I find it rather sculptural and very interesting. Besides, with a common name of "Devil's Tomato", how could I resist?
I've been told to watch it as it can help itself to the entire hill, though in over a year, only one seedling has volunteered. Even when I harvested the small, green "tomatoes" it forms from each flower and deliberately planted the seed, only one germinated and has gone to 'grace' a friend's garden. The seedling has grown to an amazing size, probably due to his fertile potting soil and partial shade he's provided, but here in this 'dirt' and in harsher conditions, both are remaining under two feet...so far...
It belongs here, it DOES have "thorns".
