Family: Solanaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Solanum seaforthianum, commonly known as Brazilian nightshade, potato vine, or St. Vincent lilac, is a fast-growing climbing vine native to the Caribbean, Mexico, northern South America, and Brazil. It is valued as an ornamental plant for its attractive clusters of lavender to blue-violet flowers and bright red berries. The vine can quickly cover fences, trellises, and other structures, making it a popular choice in tropical and subtropical gardens. It has been cultivated in Hawaiʻi since at least 1916 and is now naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, where it is commonly found in low-elevation disturbed habitats such as roadsides and thickets.

Risks & Threats:
Although attractive, Solanum seaforthianum possesses several traits that make it a high-risk plant in Hawaiʻi. This species is naturalized throughout the state and produces abundant seeds that are readily dispersed by birds and other animals. Its vigorous climbing habit allows it to smother native vegetation, overtop shrubs and trees, and alter natural plant communities. The vine can spread from cultivated areas into nearby forests, coastal habitats, and other disturbed sites, where it may compete with native species for light and space. Because it is already established across multiple Hawaiian Islands and possesses traits that are cause for concern, it could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if allowed to spread further. When possible, choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping. In areas where Brazilian nightshade is already widespread, landowners and gardeners are encouraged to manage existing plants responsibly and avoid planting it in or near natural areas to help minimize further ecological impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and widely naturalized elsewhere
  
• A weed of disturbed sites in the Hawaiian Islands
  
• An environmental weed in Africa and Australia
  
• Other Solanum species are invasive
  
• Relatively unpalatable
  
• Toxic to animals and people
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, water, animals, humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, car tires, etc.) and garden refuse dumping

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides provide effective control