TROPICAL SODA APPLE

Solanum viarum

Description

A highly invasive, prickly, perennial shrub 1–2 m high.

Leaves Mostly 10–20 cm long and 6–15 cm wide. The upper and lower leaf surfaces are covered in short hairs; mid-veins and primary lateral-veins are cream-coloured.

Flowers White, with five petals, 1.5–2 cm long. Occur in clusters of 3–6 of a short stem.

Fruit Pale green with dark green veins, looking like a small watermelon. Ripen to yellow and golf ball size, 2–3 cm wide.

Roots Shallow, woody and fibrous.

Dispersal Seed dispersed by birds, cattle and other animals eating and excreting the seed, waterways, contaminated soil and attached to equipment. Vegetative reproduction from root material.

Confused with Weed species Devil’s apple (Solanum capsicoides), Devil’s fig (S. torvum), Giant devil’s fig (S. chrysotrichum) and Apple of Sodom (S. Linnaeanum). Native Solanum spp. including but not limited to Forest nightshade (S. prinophyllum), S. campanulatum, S. ditrichum and S. vicinum.

Control You must notify Rous County Council if you find this weed. Manually remove where appropriate. Ensure all fruit is bagged, buried 500mm deep under the ground or burnt in a hot fire. Cut scrape paint or foliar spray with approved herbicide.

WHITE BLACKBERRY Rubus niveus

REPORT THIS WEED (02) 6623 3800

Description Prickly, scrambling shrub with white, arching stems that climb to 2 m tall.

Leaves Made up of 5–11 leaflets. Opposite, dark green on top with white to pale green underside. Fine hairs underneath, 2.5–8 cm long and 1–5 cm wide, prominently veined and serrated along the edges.

Flowers Red or bright pink, 5 petals, 4–5 mm long, in clusters at the end of stems.

Fruit Round to oblong green berries, ripening to purply-black, 1–2 cm wide and covered in short white hairs. Each containing about 180 seeds.

Stems Covered in a white, powdery coating with sharp prickles 3–7 mm long.

Roots Woody crown with a main root that can grow 2 m down.

Dispersal Seed dispersed by birds and other animals eating and excreting the seed. Vegetative reproduction from plant material or suckering.

Confused with Weed species Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus). Native species Native raspberry (R. parvifolius, R. rosifolius, R. moluccanus)

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove where appropriate. Ensure all plant material is bagged and removed from the site. Cut scrape paint or foliar spray with herbicide.