Also commonly known as Paddy Melon, Camel Melon (Citrullus amarus) was introduced to South Australia with camels in the 19th century. Though related to squash, gourds and melons, Camel Melon is not generally eaten. The fruit (approximately 8cm wide), dries into a resilient seed casing, leading to a proliferation of this plant in various harsh outback conditions, including sand dunes.
Dodonaea viscosa, the Sticky Hop-bush, has winged fruits which are covered with a protective sticky resin. Sap sucking aphids feeding on these fruits are farmed by ants for their ‘honeydew’ secretions.
Einadia nutans, the climbing saltbush, fruiting near Mt Gee at Arkaroola in the northern Flinders Ranges in winter.
African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), introduced from Africa for spikey hedge fences, is considered a noxious weed. With similarities to Goji Berry, the fruit (when ripened to red) is edible. Seen here fruiting in October at Warren Gorge, near Quorn.
Although the Pittosporum augustifolium is known as the Native Apricot, it is poisonous to humans. Commonly seen on clay, stony and sandy soils and often around creeks and gullies.
Dodonea lobulata, the Lobe-leaf Hopbush, grows 1-3m in the Flinders Ranges. Three-winged fleshy fruit is distinctive while flowers are small and without petals.
Sclerolaena tatei fruiting in sand near Lyndhurst in early spring.
Acetosa vesicaria, known as Red Dock or Wild Hops, is thought to be introduced in the saddles of early Afghan cameleers. Responding quickly to rainfall, Wild Hops can create a stunning flush of colour through the Flinders Ranges.
The Square-fruit Twinleaf (Zygophyllum prismatothecum) is the predominant Twinleaf appearing after rains on the limey clay plains in the Copley area, distinguishable by its oblong narrow capsule fruit form.
Horned Bindyi, Sclerolaena diacantha, is a small hairy silvery grey perennial growing in clay. Seen fruiting in Copley in winter.
