Family: Solanaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Solanum capsicoides, commonly known as cockroach berry, is a spiny shrub native to tropical South America. Growing up to 3–6 feet (1–2 m) tall, it is recognized by its prickly stems and leaves, purple star-shaped flowers, and bright orange-red fruits that resemble small tomatoes. The colorful fruits have made it a popular ornamental plant in some tropical regions, though it is not generally cultivated for food due to the toxic compounds found in many members of the nightshade family. In Hawaiʻi, cockroach berry has been present for a long time, with the first documented collection occurring on Oʻahu in 1837.

Risks & Threats
Cockroach berry is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. In Hawaiʻi, it occurs in a variety of disturbed habitats, including pastures, pond banks, trailsides, and former cane fields, as well as mesic and diverse mesic forests from approximately 15–850 m (50–2,800 ft) elevation. This species possesses several traits that are cause for concern, including prolific fruit production, dispersal by birds and other animals, and the ability to establish in both disturbed and semi-natural environments. Its spiny growth can form dense stands that compete with desirable vegetation and hinder land management activities. Because this species is naturalized and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, Plant Pono recommends choosing low-risk or native alternatives whenever possible. In areas where cockroach berry is already widespread, efforts should focus on managing existing populations and preventing its spread into new locations and higher-quality natural habitats.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate tolerance (wide elevation range, USDA zones 9a–11)
  
• Naturalized widely in tropical regions
  
• Naturalized on multiple Hawaiian Islands: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi.
  
• Weed of disturbed habitats (roadsides, pastures, waste areas)
  
• Congeneric species are noxious weeds
  
• Spiny/prickly throughout
  
• Unpalatable and toxic to livestock
  
• Toxic to humans (contains solanine)
  
• Tolerates diverse soil types
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Short generation time (annual/short-lived shrub)
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind and water
  
• Deliberately spread by humans (ornamental, lei-making)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not an environmental weed
  
• Not shade-tolerant (requires full sun)
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• No external seed attachment for animal dispersal