Solanum lasiocarpum, synonym Solanum ferox L., otherwise known as Indian nightshade or hairy-fruited eggplant, is a plant that produces edible fruit. Its flowers are white and its fruits are pale yellow. S. lasiocarpum is found wild in parts of temperate and tropical Asia: the Andaman Islands, Sri Lanka, Indochina, south China, Taiwan, much of Malesia, Papuasia and Queensland, Australia. In other countries it is primarily known as a domesticated plant. Domesticated plants bear larger fruits and lack the prickly skin that is found in the wild plants. The color found in the center of fruit is light green, like that of Solanum quitoense. It's cultivated in tropical Asia, used in food additives for flavoring, and given to the sick as a folk medicine. In India, the locals use the fruit as a sour-relish in curries. In Thailand, a special kind of sauce called nam prek is made with the fruit.Solanum lasiocarpum is of interest to botanists because of its strong resemblance to, and apparent close relation to South American species, the cocona (S. sessiliflorum), the naranjilla (S. quitoense), and the pseudolulo (S. pseudolulo) in particular. When grown outside of their native range, all four of those plants will readily hybridize, producing sterile offspring. This has some potential to enhance the commercial viability of each of those species elsewhere in the world.
Hairy-fruited eggplant has moderate resistance to disease and is not highly susceptible to leaf spot or powdery mildew. It may incur some insect damage, but this is likely to be minor. Its care requirements are easy, needing only regular watering and occasional fertilizing. Pruning is generally not required. Hairy-fruited eggplant is suitable for most people to grow outdoors with little attention, and it can also be grown indoors if some care and effort are given.
How to keep Solanum Lasiocarpum.
Light
The hairy-fruited eggplant is native to conditions that have ample sunlight, like sunny fields and meadows. While it thrives best in full sunlight, it is also capable of withstanding areas with only partial sunlight.
Water
The hairy-fruited eggplant is well-suited for dry conditions and does best with infrequent watering, ideally every 2-3 weeks. When grown outdoors, its need for additional water depends on the amount of rainfall, especially during the growing season when natural precipitation can lessen the need for extra watering.
Temperature
Hairy-fruited eggplant prospers in relatively mild temperatures, much like the conditions humans typically deem pleasant. It prefers an environment that is not excessively hot or excessively cool. The problem with above-average temperatures is the possibility of sun damage, and in summer months, it is recommended to offer some shade to conserve against extreme warmth. When temperatures fall, Hairy-fruited eggplant goes into a low-activity phase. To keep the plant growing throughout the year, it's crucial to keep a warmer environment during winter. Avoiding frost is imperative as it can harm the plant.
Fertilizer
For nourishing Hairy-fruited eggplant, employ either organic or store-bought fertilizer that is abundant in nitrogen to boost leaf development, phosphorus for root and flower growth, and potassium to enhance photosynthesis and optimal fruit yield. Sow in the spring season, improve the soil using compost or manure, and administer fertilizer to the saplings when they attain a height of 2-4 inches (5-10.2 cm). A deficiency in macronutrients can result in sluggish growth, droopiness, and problems with the quality of the fruit.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Solanum
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 2.13 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 1.52 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Olive Drab
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Lavender, White
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, China
Other names.
