Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum): A Spiny, Toxic, Invasive Weed

Remove This “Armed to the Teeth” Plant Immediately

The spiny, velvety-leaved weed in your Florida yard is Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum), a South American invasive.

Why It’s a Problem

• Sharp spines on stems, leaf ribs, and surfaces.
• Toxic to livestock and humans.
• Highly invasive—spreads rapidly by seed.
• No redeeming ornamental or ecological value.

Action Required

Dig it out completely before it fruits. Do not compost. Monitor for seedlings. Research confirms it’s a serious agricultural and environmental threat.

— Identified by Susan