Box-thorn

Box-thorn (Lycium), a genus of Solanaceæ, having funnel-shaped or tubular flowers, and 2-celled berries. Several species are natives of the south of Europe, thorny shrubs, with long slender shoots and simple lanceolate leaves. L. europæum may be trained to a height of 30 or 40 feet, and is often planted—as are also other species—to cover walls, &c. L. vulgare has been sparingly naturalised in the United States. L. fuehsiioides, although destitute of spines, is used as a hedge-plant in the Andes of Quito.