Tropical Soda Apple was introduced into Florida in the 1980s and is on the Federal Noxious Weed List (UUSDA NRCS) and the Texas Dept of Agriculture’s Invasive plants list. It reduces biological diversity in natural areas by displacing native plants and disrupting ecological integrity. It spreads to open agricultural fields, rights of way and native areas. Plant prickles can restrict wildlife grazing and create a physical barrier to animals, preventing movement through infested areas. It contains solasodine, which is poisonous to humans. This invader also serves as a host for viruses that infect important vegetable crops.
You may not want or need to replace this invasive plant. There are no suitable native replacements for this plant
Tropical Soda Apple is on the Texas Dept. of Agriculture’s List of Noxious and Invasive Plants which are illegal to sell, distribute or import into Texas.
For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.
You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.
Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.
State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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