Family: Solanaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Solanum torvum, commonly known as turkey berry, devil’s fig, or wild eggplant, is a thorny shrub or small tree native to Mexico, the Caribbean, northern South America, and parts of eastern Brazil. It typically grows 6–15 feet (2–5 m) tall and produces clusters of small white flowers followed by round green berries that turn yellowish as they mature. The species is widely cultivated in tropical regions as a food crop, medicinal plant, living fence, and rootstock for cultivated eggplants because of its vigor and resistance to certain pests and diseases. In Hawaiʻi, it has become naturalized on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll), Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, and is potentially naturalizing on Lānaʻi.

Risks & Threats
Although valued for its edible fruits and agricultural uses, Solanum torvum is naturalized in Hawaiʻi and possesses several traits that are cause for concern. It produces abundant seeds that are readily dispersed by birds and other animals, enabling it to spread into disturbed areas, pastures, roadsides, forest edges, and natural ecosystems. Dense thickets can form, crowding out native vegetation, hindering restoration efforts, and altering habitat structure. Its rapid growth, broad environmental tolerance, and persistent seed production increase its invasive potential in tropical island environments. Because this species could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, planting is not recommended where low-risk or native alternatives are available. In areas where turkey berry is already widespread, landowners and gardeners are encouraged to manage existing plants and avoid introducing them into new locations to help minimize further spread and ecological impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate tolerance (sea level to 2,000 m)
  
• Pantropical weed, naturalized widely
  
• Established or present across the Hawaiian Islands: Naturalized on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll), Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i; potentially naturalizing on Lāna‘i.
  
• Agricultural & environmental weed (federal noxious weed in US)
  
• Forms dense, impenetrable thickets
  
• Has spines on stems and leaves
  
• Toxic to livestock
  
• Host for crop pathogens (e.g., Alternaria solani)
  
• High seed output (~1 million seeds/kg)
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Root sprouting enables vegetative spread
  
• Flowers within 3–4 months
  
• Dispersed by birds, bats, humans, and via contaminated areas
  
• Tolerates cutting and fire
  
• Difficult to kill without herbicides

Low Risk Traits:

• Requires full sun (shade-intolerant)
  
• No long-term persistent seed bank
  
• Controllable with herbicides