Tropical soda apple - Solanum viarum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images)

Tropical soda apple

The "apples" or fruit of the tropical soda apple are small spheres about 6 cm in diameter that look just like miniature watermelons. Tropical soda apple is an aggressively invasive spiny shrub that produces many thousands of seeds that disperse rapidly over a wide area.

Scientific classification

Species

Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

1.2 m to 1.8 m

Plant Height

1.8 m

Spread

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White

Flower Color

Images of Tropical soda apple

Distribution of Tropical soda apple

Distribution Map

Tropical soda apple originates from regions including South America. It has since spread across various continents, both in temperate and tropical zones. While tropical soda apple has established itself in some areas outside its native range, it is sometimes thought to be contributing to ecological concerns. In locations where tropical soda apple is non-native and thriving, it may have an impact on local ecosystems but the specifics of such influence tend to vary.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Grassland, disturbed areas, riparian, forest

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Weed Control

Tropical soda apple(Solanum viarum) is native to South and Central America. In more recent years, tropical soda apple has been introduced to other places including the United States. It is considered detrimental to crops (such as tomatoes) and classified as a weed.

How to Control It

The difficulty with tropical soda apple is how to control it on a wider scale. It vastly depends on how many plants need removing and the investigation size. Plants should only be cut or mown when out of seeding season to ensure this doesn't cause further spread.

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Quickly Identify Tropical soda apple

Large, lobed leaves with deep veins, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long.

Thorn-covered stems, maturing from green to brown, up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) thick.

Spherical fruits, mottled green to yellow, containing around 400 seeds.

Persistent clusters of small, white star-shaped flowers, 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) wide.

Robust shrub form with textured, dark green leaves and small, apple-like fruits.

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Care Guide for Tropical soda apple

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Tropical soda apple thrives in humid environments and exhibits adaptability to varying water conditions. It requires watering every 2-3 weeks, showing neither extreme moisture needs nor drought tolerance. Generally grown outdoors, its growth cycle is influenced by rainfall patterns, highlighting nature's water economy.

Fertilize: Use balanced nutrition fertilizers for tropical soda apple, emphasizing high-nitrogen options during growing seasons. Fertilize monthly, following product guidelines to avoid root burn. Adjust frequency in winter based on seasonal changes, and dilute fertilizers for even application.

Pruning: Tropical soda apple, with thorny stems and lobed leaves, requires early spring pruning to promote healthy growth and reduce invasiveness. Trim dead or damaged parts to maintain size and air circulation, supporting robust regeneration and curtailing aggressive spread for a healthier garden environment.

Propagation: Tropical soda apple is a perennial shrub easily propagated by cuttings from healthy, disease-free stems. Cut segments should have multiple nodes and root in a warm, moist, well-draining medium with high humidity. After rooting, transplant the young plants, providing support until they establish.

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Images of Tropical soda apple

Distribution of Tropical soda apple

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Tropical soda apple

Care Guide for Tropical soda apple

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