Apple of Sodom
| Botanical Name | Solanum linnaeanum |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Origin | North Africa |
Identification
Shrub or subshrub to 1m or more tall with many yellow thorns, berries green and white changing to yellow at maturity. Can be distinguished from other prickly Solanum spp. by the combination of perennial woody habitat with clump-forming roots, green leaves, mauve or violet flowers, September-May.Habitats
Only a problem in open coastal areas. Sandy soils and low coastal positions, poor pastures and shrub margins. Salt tolerant.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Does not present a problem to regenerating vegetation and can be expected to be over-shadowed in this type of situation. Can form dense stands in poor pastures. Prickly nature and poisonous fruit are of nuisance quality. A problem in coastal areas.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Large numbers of seeds are produced from berries which are spread by birds or stock. The seeds germinate and sprout mid spring till the end of summer.Management
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Management |
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| Physical Control |
Dig out small plants. Rotary slash bigger plants. |
| Disposal |
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| Chemical Control |
Spray young plants with Tordon brushkiller at 50ml / 10 litres of water or Tordon Gold at 120ml/10litres of water Cut larger plants treat with 1 part Tordon Brushkiller to 20 parts water. |
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Biological Control |
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| Recommended Approach |
Spray during active growth, when plants are under stress good control results will be difficult to achieve. |