Highly invasive weed found in Somerset region

Published on 07 August 2026

Tropical soda apple has a distinctive white flower with petals curling back to the base. Photo: Biosecurity Queensland.

A HIGHLY invasive weed, tropical soda apple, has been found on properties in Coominya, Kilcoy and Sandy Creek in the Somerset region.

Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) is declared as restricted matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and the community is required to report any sightings of tropical soda apple within 24 hours.

Tropical soda apple is a perennial shrub, growing up to two metres high with large prickles on the branches and leaves. It has a distinctive white flower with petals curling back to the base.

The weed produces round fruits, up to 3cm in diameter with a similar pattern to watermelon skin which turns yellow when mature. Each fruit can hold over 400 seeds, which can germinate in just a few weeks. These seeds are easily spread by water, animals, machinery and people.

Somerset Pest Management Working Group Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said the invasive weed poses a serious threat to pastures, crops and livestock, and the natural environment.

“This pest weed has the potential to infest an entire hectare of land within six months, outcompeting pasture and preventing livestock from accessing water and shade,” Cr Wendt said.

“It is important to manage livestock, including horses, to protect your property.

“Livestock should be held in a weed-free, contained area for at least six days before movement to allow ingested seeds to pass through their system.

“Any new livestock must then be quarantined for six to ten days in a small, monitored paddock, with checks continuing for six to eight weeks as seedlings can emerge and fruit quickly.

“Any vehicles used to move livestock should also be washed down in a dedicated area to remove dirt or manure.”

To learn more about tropical soda apple, visit bit.ly/4xmrymc

The invasive weed produces round fruits, up to 3cm in diameter. Photo: Biosecurity Queensland.