Desert raisin, Bush tomato
Solanum centrale
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
A plant which keeps growing from year to year. It has woody stems. There are long sharp thorns at intervals of 5-8 cm. The leaves are soft and greyish-green and covered with down. The young leaves are rust coloured. The flowers are violet and the shape of a five pointed star. The fruit are 2 cm across. They are purplish-green when young and pale yellow when ripe. The fruit are sticky.
There are about 1400 Solanum species. It is high in Vitamin C.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. They thrive after bush fires. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit can be eaten dried or used as a spice. It can be ground into a powder or preserved in oil. It can be used in sauces, chutneys, relishes, jams and as a topping for focaccia.
Edible parts
Fruit, spice
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
The ripe fruit are dried and darken to chocolate brown. They can be powdered. The dried, powdered fruit can be stored for long periods. The drying is important to reduce the levels of alkaloids.
Its other names
Local names
Akatyerre, Akudjura, Kampurar, Kumparrpa, Kutjera, Yakatjiri