Solanaceae
Solanum incanum
Sodom Apple · Mtunguja
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This hardy herb or small shrub is characterised by its often prickly stems and fuzzy, grey-green leaves. It produces distinctive spherical, yellow fruits which, though attractive, are known to be poisonous.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full sun and adaptable to various soil conditions, this plant is well-suited for restoring degraded land or as a pioneer species in challenging coastal environments. It is generally not recommended for ornamental planting due to its weedy nature and prickliness.
Growing notes
A fast-growing and drought-tolerant species, it requires little water once established and is highly resilient. Exercise caution as all parts of the plant, particularly the fruits, are toxic if ingested, and its thorns can cause injury.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.