Lycium L.

Shrubs, usually spiny. Lvs deciduous or evergreen, alternate or in fascicles on short spurs, simple, entire, usually glabrous, sessile or shortly petiolate. Fls solitary or few in clusters, axillary. Calyx scarcely accrescent; tube campanulate, regular or ± bilabiate; teeth 3–5, equal or unequal. Corolla funnelform, often cylindric in lower part, sometimes salverform, usually purple to whitish, (4)–5–(7)-lobed. Stamens inserted in throat of corolla, exserted, often with band of hairs near filament base. Stigma shallowly 2-lobed, sometimes capitate. Fr. a berry; seeds few to many, of moderate size.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]