Ascension : CONSERVATION WEEKLY - Sodom Apple (Solanum sodomaeum)
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 23.04.2009 (Article Archived on 07.05.2009)

Solanum sodomaeum was first recorded by Bell in 1859 as growing in Breakneck Ravine.

Sodom Apple (Solanum sodomaeum)

‘(Photographed at the Old Barracks, Green Mountain)’                    

(Photograph used from book-Flowering Plants, Wendy Fairhurst)

Solanum sodomaeum was first recorded by Bell in 1859 as growing in Breakneck Ravine. Today it is widespread over the island but scarce. It is a low, spreading shrub with much indented prickly leaves which are bright green in colour. The purple flowers have five pointed petals and startling bright yellow stamens. The fruit are like small tomatoes, first green but yellow when mature, often striped with green. They are poisonous to humans and animals. Current research, however, indicates that the glycoalkaloids purified from this plant are proving effective in the treatment of certain skin cancers. The bush may be found on the north-facing rim of the Devil’s Riding School and in its central gullies, and occasionally on Middleton’s Ridge.

On St Helena this plant is called Wild Brinjal. Brinjal (Solanum melongena) is the aubergine or egg-plant.

THANK YOU!

We would like to say a BIG thank you to Joy and Patrick Robinson, who has been fantastic volunteers over the years and gave up a lot of their time, helping with the Green Turtles. We thank you for all your hard work and dedication and wish you both all the best with your new life on St Helena.

Stedson presenting gift to Joy and Patrick Robinson