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Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

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Devil’s fig, thornapple

Solanum torvum, Fam. Solanaceae


Spreading or scrambling shrub, 2-3m high, armed with scattered broad-based slightly hooked thorns, 3-8mm long; new growth with fawn star hairs.

Weed Category: Other invasive plants
Invasive plants that are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants, but are known to spread readily and cause negative impacts, within the region.
Weed: Yes
Form or habit: Shrub
Family: Solanaceae
Leaf: Simple Alternate
Simple, alternate or paired, broad-elliptic to ovate, 55-220 x 45-180mm, margins with 2-4 triangular lobes on each side; dark green and rough textured above, paler beneath with thickly felted star hairs; scattered thorns on both surfaces.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour:

White, Yellow

Flower description: White star-shaped with central cone of yellow stamens, 20-25mm diameter; borne on many-flowered axillary racemes or sprays.
Fruit conspicuous: Conspicuous
Fruit colour:

Brown, Yellow

Fruit: Fleshy
Fruit description: Globular, fleshy berries, 12-17mm in diameter, dull yellow or brownish when ripe with many egg-shaped cream or brown seeds about 2mm long. Calyx without prickles.
Habitat:
Distribution
Food source for:
Toxicity: No toxicity known
Origin: West Indies
Notes: Spread by: birds eat fruit, spreading seed. Invades/threats: rainforests, coastal communities, creek banks and disturbed areas, gardens. Notes: widespread throughout the region. Environmental weed.
Information sources: Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition.

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