Uses
Solanum aculeastrum is often planted as a hedge.
- Solanum aculeastrum is commonly planted as a hedge.
- The spines are hard enough to rupture tyres and stems are placed across the roads to prevent vehicle access.
- Some varieties have edible fruit.
- Medicinal uses include the treatment of swelling joints in fingers with fruit and leaves to prevent gangrene setting in, drying and pounding roots and taking a little on tongue twice daily for an enlarged spleen, and use as eyewash.
- Vernacular names include the commonly quoted Mutugunda, Omutugunda, and Mutura, as well as more rare Umotobo, Kood (Lateba), Niva fera-fera, Temberere, Imitobotobo (Kirundi), and Motobatoba (Ruanda).