Lycium andersonii is a species in the flowering nightshade family, Solanaceae. Common names for the species include Anderson Wolfberry and redberry desert thorn. Lycium andersonii is a drought tolerant rounded shrub, typically ranging from 3 to 6 feet in height. This plant grows in sandy, gravelly washes and on slopes and mesas. Featuring its small, round, and translucent berries; initially green, but ripen to a bright red or orange as they age. The species is native to the Sonoran desert, and grows in hot deserts across the United States, specifically New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Utah. L. andersonii has tough and fibrous roots with thin bark. The flat leaves are thick and fleshy like a small succulent plant. They are shed from the plant in very dry drought conditions. Clusters of small tubular lavender colored flowers are produced in the spring followed by red berries. This species thrives in hot and dry climates and requires very little water. It is not adaptable to shaded areas and requires full sun. The flowering starts in spring, January through May in the South States of the United States, until it goes dormant again in late May with the intense dry heat of summer. Though rather bitter in taste, the fruit is highly nutritious as it contains high levels of vitamin A, C, and E and a good source of fatty acids. The fruit can be eaten raw by animals and humans.
Lycium andersonii seeds germinate best after a scarification treatment. Lightly scratch through the hard waterproof seed cote using a nail file or sandpaper. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water overnight prior to planting for best results. Sow the seeds ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep in a well draining moist, but not soaking wet potting medium. Seeds typically germinate from a couple of weeks to several months. Even with optimal conditions, seeds may be slow and sporadic in germination.
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