Family: Solanaceae

Solanum robustum (shrubby nightshade, silverleaf nightshade) is a shrub native to northeastern South America. It is grown in botanical gardens for its showy foliage and its winged petioles and stems.  It is reported to be naturalized in some regions of Africa, and on the island of Maui. It was first collected on Maui in 1977. It is a state noxious weed in Hawaiʻi, due to its tendencies to invade pastures, its strong prickles, and habit of forming dense thickets. It should be eradicated if found, if possible.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Maui, Hawaiian Islands and possibly elsewhere
  
• A Hawaii state noxious weed, invading pastures
  
• Other Solanum species have become invasive
  
• Armed with strong prickles
  
• Forms impenetrable thickets
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Can reach reproductive maturity in <1 year
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, frugivorous mammals and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Ornamental (widely grown in botanical gardens, occasionally grown as a novelty because of handsome leaves and winged petioles and stems)
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control