Solanum torvum
Devil's fig
Also known as:
Turkey berry, Thai eggplant
Family: Solanaceae
Origin: North and South America
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
- Whole region — Eradication
General description
Multi-branching, perennial shrub < 4 m tall. Stems are densely hairy, grey, and bear scattered prickles. Leaves are simple, < 10 x 15 cm and lobed, with grey/green tops and white/yellow/green undersides. Flowers are star-shaped, white with yellow stamens, and arranged in branched clusters. Fruit is round, yellow/green, and contains flattened white/pale brown seeds.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- you must not breed, distribute, release or sell devil’s fig within the Auckland region
- you must not plant devil’s fig within the Auckland region.
Auckland Council will control devil's fig at all sites where it is known to occur.
If you see devil’s fig anywhere in the Auckland region, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Habitats
Disturbed areas, roadsides, wasteland, scrubland, plantations, pasture.
Dispersal
Seed dispersed by birds. Human-mediated dispersal through movement of contaminated soil and equipment.
Impact on environment
Can create impassable thickets. Provides habitat and food resources for introduced mammals. Suppresses forage in pasture.
Control
Recommended approaches
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.