Tree Tobacco

Tree Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum). Recently a landholder asked me to identify a plant that when she came in contact it gave her a very nasty rash. On inspection it turned out to be the South American plant Tree Tobacco, a large shrub or small tree growing to 4m. Densely clothed with fine velvety hairs on branches, flower parts, stalks and under surface of leaves. It has very large leaves and small purple flowers All parts of the plant are poisoness but particularly the leaves and unripe green berries and has a smell like tar. This plant is highly poisonous to humans, cattle and pigs, and can possibly cause death if ingested.

Tree tobacco spreads by seed be carried by birds, water, possums and dumped garden waste. Has a high dumpage rate as the plant becomes shabby and loses its appeal. Easiest way to control is by cut and paint method but remember to avoid direct contact with all plant material.

Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Sometimes referred to as the funeral flower this plant can choke out waterways and wetlands. This perennial herb grows to 1.5 m tall and is evergreen. It is considered highly poisonous to all animals. In humans it is said to cause eczema. Australian hospital records indicate that these plants are a common and significant cause of child poisoning. It is mainly spread by rhizome and seed carried by birds, water, contaminated soil and dumped garden waste. Widely available in nurseries, garden centres and markets. Once established this is a very difficult plant to remove, there is a gel type herbicide available using the cut and paint method.