Solanum aculeastrum subsp. aculeastrum lower stems

The stems of Solanum aculeastrum subsp. aculeastrum branch much, showing a few prickles on the greyish brown bark of older stems. Upper branchlets are covered in woolly hairs and a profusion of sharp, recurved spines that reach 2 cm in length.

The specific name of aculeastrum refers to the sharp-pointed, usually broader-based and curved prickles or spines found on most plant parts (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 2002; Wikipedia).