Australia: Bush tomato named one of top 10 new species
While specimens of the plant have been collected for many years in the Northern Territory and Kimberley, it has only just been formally identified by a visiting United States scientist.
With the help of budding young science enthusiasts at the Eichhorn Middle School in Pennsylvania, the species was named Solanum ossicruentum, after its blood-red and bone-hard fruit.
Bucknell University biology professor Chris Martine compiled his research in a paper last year, leading to the plant being recognised in the top 10 new species, on a list that aims to increase biodiversity awareness.
Dr Martine said the plant, which was quite common in the western Top End, had a very attractive appearance.
"They're really beautiful plants, anywhere from two to two and a half metres tall, really prickly and silvery blue with these large beautiful purple flowers," he said.
Read more at ABC Rural