Tropical soda apple

• It is an upright, multi-branched perennial shrub and is 0.5–2m tall.
• Stems have thorn-like prickles up to 12mm long.
• Leaves are 10–20cm long and 6–15cm wide. They are covered with short hairs and white prickles.
• Flowers are white with 5 recurved petals and white to cream-coloured stamens.
• Immature fruits are smooth and round. They are mottled light and dark green like a watermelon.
• Mature fruits are yellow and 1–3cm in diameter. The leathery skin surrounds a pale-green, scented pulp, each containing 180–240 seeds.
• Seeds are pale brown, tear-shaped and 3mm across.

3D model

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• Prefers open, disturbed sites, especially pastures and areas around cattle yards.
• Prefers coastal, high-rainfall habitats in tropical and subtropical areas.

• First detected in Queensland in November 2010 near Coominya in South East Queensland.
• Currently a small number of isolated infestations in Queensland.

• Reproduces from seeds.
• Flowers in autumn–winter.
• Fruit sets in winter.

Economic

• Invades and replaces pasture, including improved pasture.
• Leaves are unpalatable to livestock (although fruit are readily eaten).
• Provides an alternative host for at least 6 viruses that affect various vegetables.

• Seeds are spread primarily by cattle but also by birds, feral pigs, deer, contaminated hay, and water.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

• Before undertaking any preventative or control actions, contact us online, by phone or in person.

• Tropical soda apple is a category 2, 3, 4 and 5 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. You must not:
  • move it
  • keep it
  • give it away
  • sell it
  • release it into the environment.

  If you do any of these, penalties may apply.

• You must take all reasonable and practical measures that are under your control to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with tropical soda apple. This is part of your general biosecurity obligation.
• You must report any sightings within 24 hours using 1 of these methods:
  • Report online.
  • Phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
  • Phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
  • Contact your local government.
• Each local government must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken for tropical soda apple. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.