Jerusalem Cherry
Solanum pseudocapsium
NEMBA category
English: Jerusalem Cherry, Madeira Winter Cherry, Christmas Cherry, Winter Cherry
Afrikaans: Jerusalemkersie
Historical scientific names: Solanum capsicastrum, Solanum diflorum, Solanum hybridum
Misapplied scientific names: Solanum erianthum
Solanum pseudocapsicum, commonly known as Jerusalem Cherry or Winter Cherry, is a small, evergreen shrub highly recognisable by its glossy, dark green leaves and bright red or orange-red berries that resemble small cherries.
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Origin:
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Central and South America).
Distinguishing features:
Small, evergreen shrub.
Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves.
Small white, star-shaped flowers.
Bright red or orange-red, round berries (resembling small tomatoes or cherries) that persist on the plant for a long time.
All parts of the plant are highly toxic.
Overall appearance:
Solanum pseudocapsicum is a compact, bushy, evergreen shrub with a dense growth habit. It is often grown for its ornamental appeal, particularly in winter when it is laden with colourful berries.
Height:
Typically grows 0.3 to 1 metre tall, but can sometimes reach up to 1.5 metres.
Width:
It can spread to a width of 0.5 to 1 metre.
Leaves:
The leaves are alternate, simple, and lance-shaped (elongated with pointed ends), 4-10 cm long and 1-2.5 cm wide. They are dark green, glossy on the upper surface, paler underneath, and have entire or slightly wavy margins. They are usually hairless or only sparsely hairy.
Flowers:
The flowers are small (about 1-1.5 cm in diameter), star-shaped with five white petals (sometimes tinged purple), and have prominent yellow stamens in the centre. They are borne singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils, typically on short stalks. Solanum pseudocapsicum flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts, so it is not dioecious.
Flowering season:
In South Africa, it generally flowers from late spring through summer (around September to March), with berries developing and persisting through autumn and winter, which is when it is most prominent.
Fruits:
The fruits are attractive, spherical berries, 1-2 cm in diameter. They are initially green and ripen to a vibrant orange-red or bright red colour. These berries are very persistent, remaining on the plant for several months, often through the winter holidays, which gives rise to its common name "Christmas Cherry." Each berry contains numerous seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are small, flattened, yellowish, and kidney-shaped or disc-shaped, typically 2-3 mm long. Each berry can contain 30-60 seeds, which are viable and contribute to its spread.
Bark:
As a small shrub, it does not develop thick bark. Stems are green when young, becoming slightly woody and brownish with age.
Thorns:
This plant does not have thorns.
Wood:
Not applicable, as it is a small shrub.
Roots:
It has a fibrous root system that can be quite effective in anchoring the plant and absorbing moisture.
Soil type:
It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. It can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Aspect:
Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates or with adequate moisture. It does not tolerate prolonged frost.
Edibility:
All parts of Solanum pseudocapsicum, especially the berries, are highly toxic and not edible. Despite their attractive appearance, they should never be consumed.
Toxicity:
All parts of Solanum pseudocapsicum are highly toxic, containing steroidal glycoalkaloids, primarily solanocapsine. Ingestion can cause severe poisoning in humans, particularly children, and pets (dogs, cats, birds). Symptoms include gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain), drowsiness, headache, and in severe cases, central nervous system depression, convulsions, and even death. The berries are particularly attractive and dangerous to children.
Uses:
Primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, as a potted houseplant, or for seasonal indoor decoration, especially during the Christmas period due to its persistent, colourful berries.
Ecology:
As an alien invasive in South Africa, Solanum pseudocapsicum poses ecological threats primarily by:
Displacing indigenous vegetation: It invades natural areas, particularly forest margins, riparian zones, woodlands, and disturbed sites, forming dense stands that outcompete native plants for light, water, and nutrients.
Toxicity to wildlife: While some bird species might be able to disperse its seeds without harm, its toxicity can be a concern for other wildlife or livestock if ingested. However, reports of widespread poisoning of native wildlife in South Africa are less common than for other invasive species.
Habitat alteration: Its dense growth can alter the structure and composition of invaded ecosystems, reducing biodiversity.
Distribution and habitat:
In South Africa, Solanum pseudocapsicum is widely distributed as an alien invasive, particularly in the moist, higher rainfall regions. It is found in all nine provinces, with significant invasions in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, and Western Cape. It commonly invades forest margins, woodlands, riparian areas, roadsides, disturbed areas, and urban open spaces. It often escapes from gardens into natural bushland.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Solanum is derived from the Latin "solamen," meaning "comfort" or "relief," possibly referring to the medicinal properties of some species.
The species name pseudocapsicum means "false capsicum," referring to its fruit resembling a small chilli pepper (Capsicum species) but not being one.
Common names like "Jerusalem Cherry" or "Christmas Cherry" refer to its winter fruiting and use as a festive decoration.
Historical aspects:
Solanum pseudocapsicum was introduced to South Africa as an ornamental garden plant and houseplant many decades ago due to its attractive berries and ease of cultivation. Its popularity as a Christmas decoration led to its widespread distribution. However, its invasive potential and high toxicity were not widely recognised initially, leading to its escape from cultivation and establishment in natural areas. It is now classified as an invasive species requiring control.
Interesting facts:
This plant is famous for its "Christmas" look, but don't be fooled by its pretty red berries – they are super poisonous! It's like a festive warning sign.
Even though it's called a "cherry," it's not a real cherry at all; it's actually part of the nightshade family, just like tomatoes and potatoes (but much more toxic!).
If you see one of these plants in a garden, it's usually packed with berries that last for ages, often right through winter. This makes it a great decorative plant, but also a big problem for spreading its toxic seeds.
It's a bit of a survivor and can pop up in all sorts of places, escaping from gardens and making itself at home in our natural bush.
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