Reply #10: 'Weed From Hell' Found In Texas

[Az]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/07/040708004649.htm

An infestation of tropical soda apple, a thorny plant on the federal noxious weed list, has been verified on a private ranch here. Called alternately the "plant from hell" and "Sodom's apples" in Florida, the thorny weed can quickly take over pastures, first displacing the grass, then the cattle, said Dr. Mary Ketchersid, Texas Cooperative Extension pesticide safety specialist.

Ketchersid said she doesn't want to sound like an alarmist, but the weed has caused economic disaster for agricultural producers in other states.

"I think we need to be scared. People need to be watching for it," she said.

Dr. Larry Redmon, Extension forage specialist based in East Texas, agrees.