BMRG is drawing your attention to a plant of interest that is rapidly making its’ way across the Burnett Mary. This plant can become a dominant species pest in paddocks, spread quickly by cattle and other native animals attracted to the sweet fruit of the plant.
Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) is a restricted invasive plant that poses a serious risk to pastures, waterways, roadsides and disturbed areas across Queensland. Native to South America, this upright, prickly shrub can grow up to two metres high and is highly adaptable, making early identification and reporting essential.
The plant is easily recognised by its cream-coloured prickles, hairy leaves, white flowers and round fruit. Immature fruit look like small green watermelons, while mature fruit turn yellow and contain hundreds of seeds. A single mature plant can produce tens of thousands of viable seeds each year, allowing infestations to build quickly if left unmanaged.
Cattle are the main pathway for spread. While they generally avoid the leaves, they readily eat the sweet-smelling fruit, spreading seeds through dung. Birds, feral pigs, deer, contaminated hay, manure, seed and water can also move the plant into new areas. High-risk sites include pastures, stockyards, truck washes, roadsides and cattle yards.