07 Dec Brazilian nightshade
Solanum seaforthianum
Also known as Blue Potato Vine, this plant has become naturalised in rainforests and is widely distributed from N.E. Qld to N.E. NSW.
Family: Solanaceae
Origin: South America
Habit: Perennial shrub or twining climber to 6m.
Leaves: Green deeply 3-9 lobed, hairless except edges and veins on under surface.
Flowers: Mauve-blue, 2-3cm across in groups of up to 50 in Spring-Autumn.
Fruit: Green berry up to 1cm across, ripening to bright red.
Roots: Shallow and fibrous.
Dispersal: Seed is spread by water, animals, humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, car tyres etc) and garden refuse dumping.
Control: Hand Dig, Scrape and Paint, Skirting, Foliar spray.
