Madeira Winter Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)

Madeira Winter Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) masquerading as an ornamental shrub in a church forecourt. Its position, crowding out an Aeonium from the kerb edge of the planting bed, reveals that the plant likely seeded into this location. Originated in South America and distributed here by 1857 as an only somewhat toxic ornamental shrub (this is another nightshade, and a tomato analogue to boot). Winter Cherry is now an environmental weed in various parts of Victoria as it establishes well into forests and forest margins, where Pied Currawongs in particular are said to like eating the fruit.

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Search for information about Solanum pseudocapsicum in the Flora of Victoria

View information and occurrences of Solanum pseudocapsicum on the Atlas of Living Australia

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