Potatoe vine
| Botanical Name | Solanum jasminoides |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Origin | S. Brazil |
Identification
High climbing woody plant, stems to 15 m long. Slender twining petioles and long-oval leaves to 60 mm, sometimes with lobes at base. Flowers star-shaped, white or pale mauvish blue in loose bunches, Jan-Dec. Berry 4-6 mm, deep blue/black.Habitats
Common in cultivation. Shrub, forest margins in the vicinity of original sites of cultivation, occasional among streamside willows.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Shrubland, forest margins and sometimes streamsides.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
An escape from cultivation. Some of its spread almost certainly vegetative. The white flowered Solanum has abundant orange berries which are spread by birds. Purple flowered species do not fruit so readily.Management
|
Management |
|
| Physical Control |
Hand pull, ensuring that all vegetation and roots are removed. |
| Disposal |
Caution may need to be exercised to prevent regrowth of cut material. |
| Chemical Control | |
|
Biological Control |
|
| Recommended Approach |
Hand pull wherever possible. |
Further Comment
The herbicide mixtures need further testing.