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Apple of Sodom (Solanum linnaeanum)

Apple of Sodom is an introduced weed that can form dense infestations in pasture and disturbed bushland. Stock avoid it, allowing it to compete with grazed plants, and it can also compete strongly with native herbs and grasses.

Key facts

Type: Weed, shrub.

Native to: The Mediterranean region and South Africa.

Established in: QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA.

Best time to act: It flowers from July to December and fruits may be present year-round; target seedlings or actively growing regrowth for chemical control.

Identification

  • It is an erect to rounded shrub, usually about 1 m tall and sometimes reaching 1.4 m tall and broad.
  • Its bright green leaves are deeply divided into rounded lobes and have stout prickles above and below; the stems also bear stout prickles.
  • Pale purple-blue flowers with bright yellow centres grow in loose clusters, mainly from July to December.
  • The globular fruits are bright yellow when mature, about 23 to 30 mm across, and contain 100 to 200 seeds.
  • Look-alike: Narrawa Burr (Solanum cinereum) is similar, but has white undersides to its leaves, more slender prickles and fruits that remain green when mature.

Where it grows

In Australia it is naturalised in coastal or near-coastal areas of south-western Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland.

Why it matters

  • Stock avoid the plant, giving it a competitive advantage over plants that are grazed.
  • Dense infestations can restrict stock movements and harbour rabbits.
  • It competes strongly with native species, especially herbs and grasses.

How it spreads

  • It spreads by seed and generally spreads quite slowly.
  • Few birds or other animals appear to eat the fruits and disperse the seeds; movement of soil may also spread it.

Control options

  • For small numbers, grub out plants and heap them with any dislodged berries for burning.
  • In extensive pasture infestations, mowing or slashing can reduce impacts on pasture grasses, but several follow-up slashings may be needed.
  • Alternatively, use registered herbicides on seedlings or actively growing regrowth, following approved methods.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Limit movement of soil and dislodged berries from infested sites, as the weed spreads by seed and may be spread through soil movement.
  • Inspect and clean vehicles, plant and footwear before leaving an infested area, paying attention to tyres, radiators, belly plates, tracks and floor mats.
  • Wash down at a designated bay where runoff is contained and can be monitored for seedlings.
  • Record each washdown so the client has evidence of clean entry and exit.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): No national listing. Managed under state and territory law.
  • Queensland: Not prohibited or restricted. Not listed as prohibited or restricted matter in Queensland. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Not a priority weed. Not a state or regional priority weed in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Regionally prohibited / regionally controlled / restricted weed (varies by region). Where it is regionally prohibited, landowners must take all reasonable steps to eradicate it on their land. Where it is regionally controlled, landowners must take all reasonable steps to prevent its growth and spread on their land. Where it is a restricted weed, trade in it (including the plant, its seed or contaminated material) is prohibited.
  • South Australia: Declared plant. Depending on the declaration, it can be an offence to move it on public roads or sell it, and landowners may be required to control it on their land.
  • Western Australia: Declared pest (no control category). Declared pest in WA without a control category, so there is no state-wide control requirement, but movement and keeping rules can still apply.
  • Tasmania: Declared weed. Property managers are required by law to control declared weeds, and their import and sale are prohibited.
  • Northern Territory: Not declared. Not on the NT A to Z weed list, and Weeds Australia does not list it as declared in the NT. Check the NT declared weeds list before moving or planting it.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • Queensland: Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), administered by Biosecurity Queensland (13 25 23)
  • New South Wales: Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW), administered by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Victoria: Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic), administered by Agriculture Victoria
  • South Australia: Landscape South Australia Act 2019 (SA), administered by the regional landscape board
  • Western Australia: Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (WA), administered by the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Sources