Growing
- Forest layer: Shrub.
- Growth habit & lifespan: Fast-growing, spiny, thicket-forming.
- Size: 1-4m.
- Site preference: Full sun to part shade, disturbed ground.
- Water needs / drought tolerance: Moderate.
- Fruiting / flowering season: White star-shaped flowers, followed by yellow berries.
- Propagation: Seed, bird-dispersed.
- Harvesting technique: Not applicable, removal target.
Permaculture Function
- Permaculture functions: Minimal, outweighed by weed impact and the physical hazard of its spines.
- Wildlife value: Berries eaten by birds, the main spread vector.
- Edibility / medicinal use: Not edible, toxic.
- Companion notes: Not applicable, removal target.
Safety & Control
- Toxicity: Berries toxic (solanine-type alkaloids). The spines covering the stems and leaves are also a genuine physical hazard — wear thick gloves and long sleeves when removing.
- Control method: Never herbicide as the plan. Cut and stump-treat, using protective gear given the spines. Bag berries. Follow up for seedlings, since it seeds prolifically.