What's this thorny plant called?

September 24, 2005 9:03 AM

What do you call this thorny plant I found growing outside the Smithsonian Castle in DC? My Google-fu fails me.
posted by brownpau to Science & Nature (7 answers total)

It's the same as this right? Sadly the caption on that page is no help.
posted by jessamyn at 9:12 AM on September 24, 2005

Best answer: It is a Naranjilla, I think.
posted by Dipsomaniac at 9:13 AM on September 24, 2005

Best answer: Actually, I think it's the bed of nails plant.
posted by jessamyn at 9:15 AM on September 24, 2005

Best answer: You're both right, I think. The latin names on both pages are the same except for a wayward n.
posted by tss at 9:18 AM on September 24, 2005

For future reference, I also recommend the flickr id please group (self-link).
posted by artifarce at 9:27 AM on September 24, 2005

Response by poster: Interesting that the Naranjilla fruit page makes no mention of the leaves, while the Bed of Nails plant page makes no mention of the fruit. But yes, the results of this search seem to bear out tss' reply that they are the same plant.

artifarce - Thanks! Joining that group now.
posted by brownpau at 1:18 PM on September 24, 2005

Response by poster: I should work on my reading comprehension.
posted by brownpau at 1:30 PM on September 24, 2005