Silver-leaf bitter apple (Solanum elaeagnifolium)

Also called satansbos (in Afrikaans), silver-leaf nightshade or bitter apple.

A herbaceous shrub, growing up to 60 cm high, with felty stems and deep, spreading roots. Stems and undersurfaces of the leaves covered with white or silvery, felt-like hairs, and orange or reddish prickles. Leaves greyish or silvery-green, often wavy and folded upwards along their midribs.

Flowers mauve, blue or white.

Produces shiny green berries with white patches, that turns yellow as they mature.

Flowers from October to March.
Originating from the American continent, now found in all provinces in South Africa. Spreading thanks to its sends, it forms dense infestations which compete with crops and are extremely difficult to eradicate thanks to its spreading roots and its ability to regenerate from small root fragments. Plants are unpalatable.
Young fruits and leaves are poisonous !

Invasives South Africa

Discover in Image