This menacing-looking plant is Solanum marginatum, a deadly relative of nightshade. It's not a plant you'll find in local nurseries since the Department of Food and Agriculture has classified it as a potentially noxious weed in some parts of California.
We found this one growing on Alcatraz Island, which is not exactly a hospitable environment for many plants. The gardeners there keep the fruit picked off since it is poisonous.
The winner of this week's mystery plant is Rita Hoots of Davis.
She'll receive a copy of "Success with Roses" by Graham Clarke. The book covers choosing, buying and planting roses, and gives advice on all aspects of rose growing, as well as tips on pruning, controlling pests and diseases. It also talks about some of the newest varieties.
Thanks to everyone who responded.
– Pat Rubin
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