Origin
Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
Ecological Impact
Listed as a Category I invasive species for all regions of Florida by the Florida Invasive Species Council and listed as a Noxious Weed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.It is estimated that approximately one million acres of pasture, sod farms, forests, ditches, and natural areas, are covered with tropical soda apple in Florida. This plant is extremely prolific, producing roughly 40,000 to 50,000 seeds per plant. Seed is spread primarily via livestock and wildlife, such as raccoons, deer, and birds that consume the fruit.
Description
Tropical soda apple is a bushy herbaceous perennial, growing 3-6 feet tall. Leaves are pubescent, deeply divided into pointed lobes. White to yellowish thorns up to 0.4 inch long found on the stems, flower stalks, both upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, and calyxes. White flowers with yellow stamens have 5 petals and are found on the stem below the leaves. Fruits are globular in shape and are green in color when young, yellow at maturity.
Identification Tips
The immature berries are green with dark veining that looks like a tiny watermelon. Mature berries are yellow and have about 400 seeds per berry.
History
In 1985 Tropical soda apple was accidentally introduced into Florida from Brazil by cattle carrying undigested seeds in their intestinal tracts.
Florida Range
Statewide
Prevention/Management Strategies
The most effective means of controlling tropical soda apple is the prevention of fruit production. In addition, tropical soda apple has been regulated by the prevention of cattle movement and transport of contaminated seed, sod, hay, manure, and soil from infested areas to areas that are not infested.