Solanaceae

Solanum viarum

Common Names: Tropical soda apple

Plant Form: Perennial shrub. Size: Up to 2 m tall. Stem: Green when young, turning pale brown with age. With thorn-like prickles up to 12 mm long. Leaves: Green, oval shaped with lobes. 10-20 cm long, with hairs and cream coloured veins on both sides. Flowers: White and 2 cm wide with 5 petals. In clusters of 3-6 on a short stem. Fruit and Seeds: 3 cm diameter round berries, which age from pale green with dark green markings (watermelon-like) to yellow. Containing an average of 45000 seeds. Habitat: Disturbed areas, pastures, coastal scrub. Distinguishing Features: A number of native and non-native close lookalike Nightshades (Solanum species). Expert advice recommended.