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solanum
plant with large leaves, flower is about 0.75" across I noticed that the plant had several spikes(similar to those seen on roses), these are not pictured
semi-jungle (more like an overgrown piece of land), tropical climate
Spotted on Aug 19, 2017
Submitted on Aug 22, 2017
6 Comments
yes, true
The most likely explanation is an escaped cultivar. In general, though, people don't really pay attention to plants. If a cultivated plant escapes and starts wreaking havoc on the populations of endemic species, most people don't even notice. For instance, where I live (the Pacific Northwest USA), there is a plant called Scotch Brush (Cytisus scoparius) that is not endemic, but was imported because someone thought it looked pretty. I guess when it started to root itself outside his garden, he just didn't pay attention, and now the stuff is everywhere. When I see a nightshade flower in your area, it's like seeing a conifer in the desert, but most people just see another flower.
SarahWhitt, Spenser, thanks for your help. Interesting that it is not endemic to Indonesia, wich makes me wander how it came there...
After a bit of research on this, there doesn't seem to be any member of the Solanaceae family endemic to Indonesia, which means this must have been imported. Furthermore, unless it is a "Strawberry, cucumber, pepper(capsicum), tomato, eggplant and grape, summer squash and melon which meets the standards established by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries", it is likely an illegal or unintentional import.
http://www.pps.go.jp/english/law/list2.h...
I agree. Solanaceae for sure, and likely in the genus Solanum.
Looks like a type of Horse Nettle found in the states.