Solanum laxum
Potato vine
Also known as:
Jasmine nightshade
Family: Solanaceae
Origin: South America
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Not a legally declared pest
General description
Perennial evergreen woody vine. Stems are < 15 m long. Leaves are ovate to lanceolate, < 50 x 25 mm, often lobed and alternate. Flowers are white, star-shaped and borne in branched terminal inflorescences. Fruits are round, shiny, dark blue-black berries.
What you need to know
Although potato vine is not a legally declared pest plant, it may still be invasive in some situations. Consider lower risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.
Habitats
Forest, forest margins, gardens.
Dispersal
Seeds dispersed by birds. Vegetative spread. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and deliberate plantings.
Impact on environment
Can form dense infestations, smothering other vegetation.
Control
Site management
Cut and pull vines away from desirable trees and native plants before foliar spraying. Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
Recommended approaches
Physical control
Method: Cut vines and leave upper stems to die in trees or dig out.
Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts (except vines if left to die in trees).
Disposal options: Compost in a composting weed bag or remove to greenwaste or landfill
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
No qualifications: Cut stump and paste freshly cut base of seedlings with glyphosate gel. Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water.
Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water and 20ml penetrant.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
