New Invasive Plant Found in Sarasota - Wetland Nightshade Solanum tampicense

Citizen scientists and botanists have found a new invasive species Wetland Nightshade, in Sarasota County and the first time it has been recorded here on iNaturalist. This prickly invasive hails from Mexico and the West Indies and can form thick stands with a variety of growth patterns from small trees, to thick shrubs. It is listed as an invasive pest weed by the State of Florida and has hit many counties in Florida but not other states. It is important to be vigilant for new invasive species that may displace natives, are poisonous to humans or livestock, or be physically hazardous like the curved spines of the Wetland Nightshade. Also called Tropical Soda Apple like other Soda Apples it has many long curved spines on it's leaves and stems.

Check out the observation here for the plant found: Wetland Nightshade Observation.

That's all for this post. Be sure to keep joining our monthly ecoquests, searching for new and unusual plants, and always take photos of epiphytes as it's our longest running focus as a contributor to the Epiflora of the United States and Canada.

Posted on February 4, 2021 01:49 AM by