Alien Invasives

Large Thorn Apple (Datura ferox)

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06 October 2016

Large Thorn Apple (Datura ferox)

The Large Thorn Apple is an erect annual growing up to 1,5 metres. It has sparsely hairy to smooth, pale green stems. The large leaves have a jagged profile and are dark green above and paler below and are sparsely hairy with an unpleasant odour. From March to October, solitary white, funnel-shaped flowers appear, followed by a brown, hardened, spiny fruit.

Other names
Long-spined Thorn-apple, White Stinkweed (English)
Grootstinkblaar (Afrikaans)
Invasive status
NEMBA Category 1b
CARA 2002 Category 1

Large Thorn Apple
Originally from
Tropical America
Where is it a problem?
Found in scattered localities throughout South Africa
How does it spread?
Seed dispersal
Why is it a problem?
It competes with indigenous pioneer species and the seeds are toxic

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