NSW Tropical Soda Apple Strategic Plan
Tropical soda apple can establish in a wide variety of soils in open to semi-shaded areas including pastures, forests, riparian zones, roadsides, recreational areas, horticultural and cropping areas. The leaves of the plant are unpalatable to livestock, thus reducing carrying capacity. Infestations can reduce biodiversity in natural areas by displacing native plants and disrupting ecological processes. Prickles on this plant restrict native animal and stock grazing and can create a physical barrier to animals, preventing access to shade and water. The fruit is highly palatable when ripe and is readily eaten by animals with major vectors of spread including cattle, feral pigs, deer and birds. Movement by water through flood events also contributes to downstream spread.
Owners and occupiers of land on which there is tropical soda apple must:
- notify the local control authority of new infestations
- destroy the plants including the fruit
- ensure subsequent generations are destroyed; and
- ensure the land is kept free of the plant.
A person who deals with a carrier of tropical soda apple must ensure the plant (and any seed and propagules) is not moved from the land; and immediately notify the local control authority of the presence of the plant on the land, or on or in a carrier.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries led the development of the NSW Tropical Soda Apple Strategy which identifies activities to ensure early detection and effective control of tropical soda apple across NSW. If you would like more information about the Strategy please contact weeds@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Think you may have seen tropical soda apple plants on your property? Call your local council to arrange a free inspection.
