Alien Invasives
Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsium)
07 October 2016
- Other names
- False Jerusalem Cherry, Madeira Cherry, Madeira Winter Cherry, Winter Cherry (English)
- Invasive status
- NEMBA Category 1b
- Description
- The Jerusalem Cherry is an erect, bushy, evergreen shrub, often grown as a winter-fruiting annual. It has wavy-margined, elliptical leaves, which are glossy and dark green. In summer, it bears white flowers similar to those of tomatoes or peppers. These are followed by long-lasting, spherical red, yellow or orange-red fruit.
- Originally from
- Peru, South America
- Where is it a problem?
- Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape
- How does it spread?
- Seeds are dispersed by birds and other animals that eat the fruit
- Why is it a problem?
- It has the capacity to invade and transform areas by displacing existing indigenous plant and leaving the area open to soil erosion. It can also form dense stands in open areas and cutover shrub and forest land. It is poisonous to livestock and humans.
- Uses
- Ornamental and medicinal uses
Please help...
Any donations would be greatly appreciated and are much needed to support these efforts. Please consider setting up a stop order with your bank for a regular monthly contribution rather than (or in addition to) a one-off donation. This would greatly assist us in budgeting and planning for the future.
Please EFT to the following account:
| Bank: | Nedbank |
| Branch name: Branch code: |
Morning Glen Branch 198 765 |
| Account Name: | Sandspruit Ullmann Park Association |
| Account Number: | 1014 852 641 |
| Reference: | Your name |
Any questions? Please contact us by clicking here.