Apple of Sodom
Apple of Sodom, a legendary fruit that was tempting to the sight but crumbled into ashes when touched. According to ancient writers, the fruit grew near the Dead Sea, or Sea of Sodom. The phrases "apple of Sodom" and "Dead Sea fruit" refer to something that is outwardly desirable but actually worthless.
The name apple of Sodom is sometimes given to a prickly shrub (Solarium sodomeum) of the nightshade family. It is presently given the name Solanum linnaeanum. The fruit is yellow and resembles a small tomato.