Tropical Soda Apple

Description:
Tropical Soda Apple is a perennial broadleafed weed with thorn-like prickles over the entire plant.
Immature fruit is green-striped, much like a watermelon.; mature fruit is bright yellow.

Problem:
This noxious weed has spread through more than 300,000 acres of pasture in less than 3 years, crowding out desirable forage species. By 1994 a total of 500,000 acres in Florida were infested. Intense control efforts are vital to help prevent the continued rapid spread of Tropical Soda Apple.

Habitat:
Pastures, fields, roadsides, ditchbanks, and hammocks.

Control:

Last modified: Saturday, May 04, 1996 9:36:37 PM

Kevin U. Hill, Extension Livestock Agent, Collier County, kuh@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu