Solanum mauritianum (tree, shrub)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact Can invade urban areas, native forest margins and pastoral land. May form dense stands that inhibit the growth of other species through overcrowding and shading (Haley, 1997). Can retard the growth of young pine trees (Pinus spp.) (Wildy, 2002). All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans, especially the green berries (ESC, 2003). These berries also provide winter food for the Mediterranean and KwaZulu-Natal fruit flies, which are horticultural pests. The fine hairs on the leaves can be an irritant, especially when they are dislodged during removal operations (Wildy, 2002).          Location Specific Impacts: Queensland (Australia)   Agricultural: Seriously reduces pasture carrying capacities. Auckland Region (New Zealand)   Human nuisance: Causes irritation of skin and respiratory tract and sometimes nausea when handled. Berries are also toxic. Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Auckland Region (New Zealand)   Physical disturbance: Can form dense stands, crowding out and suppressing all other plants. Bay of Plenty Region (New Zealand)   Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Bay of Plenty Region (New Zealand)   Physical disturbance: Can form dense stands, crowding out and suppressing all other plants. Hawke's Bay Region (New Zealand)   Human nuisance: Causes irritation of skin and respiratory tract and sometimes nausea when handled. Berries are also toxic. Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Manawatu-Wanganui Region (New Zealand)   Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Northland Region (New Zealand)   Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Northland Region (New Zealand)   Physical disturbance: Can form dense stands, crowding out and suppressing all other plants. Waikato Region (New Zealand)   Physical disturbance: Can form dense stands, crowding out and suppressing all other plants. Wellington Region (New Zealand)   Human nuisance: Causes irritation of skin and respiratory tract and sometimes nausea when handled. Berries are also toxic. Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Marlborough Region (New Zealand)   Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Saint Helena   Reduction in native biodiversity: Solanum mauritianum adversely affects indigenous vegetation on the central ridge (Ashmole and Ashmole, 2000 in Varnham, 2006). South Africa   Human nuisance: Grows rapidly impeding access to forests. Interaction with other invasive species: The fruits provide winter feeding for the Mediterranean and KZN fruit fly, which are pests in orchards. Other: Retards growth of new pine trees. Physical disturbance: Replaces indigenous species. Eastern Cape (South Africa)   Modification of hydrology: Contributes to excessive water use in riparian zones Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Gauteng (South Africa)   Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)   Competition: Competes with establishing seedlings in forestry plantations Modification of hydrology: Contributes to excessive water use in riparian zones Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Mpumalanga (South Africa)   Competition: Competes with establishing seedlings in forestry plantations Modification of hydrology: Contributes to excessive water use in riparian zones Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation North West (South Africa)   Modification of hydrology: Contributes to excessive water use in riparian zones Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Northern (SA) (South Africa)   Modification of hydrology: Contributes to excessive water use in riparian zones Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Western Cape (South Africa)   Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Hhohho (Swaziland)   Modification of hydrology: Contributes to excessive water use in riparian zones Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation Lubombo (Swaziland)   Modification of hydrology: Contributes to excessive water use in riparian zones Modification of successional patterns: Replaces native vegetation