Apple of Peru belongs to the same group of weeds as hairy nightsade and black nightsade. Apple of Peru is often found in soils which are low in Calcium and Phosphorus but high Zink, Boron, Silicon and Selenium.
Apple of Peru does not like wet soil, so it can be a sign that soil drainage is working. However, the occurrence of Apple of Peru and other weeds from this group may indicate that the soil is low in organic matter.
The plant is thought to have insect repellent properties, particularly in relation to white fly.
