Solanum muricatum Aiton

A small herb or small shrub. It grows to about 1 m high and spreads 1-2 m. It has a woody base a fibrous roots. The leaves are bright green with small hairs. The leaves can vary in shape. The flowers are blue or purple. Fruit shape can vary from small and oblong to heart shaped. The number of seeds also varies. The fruit can be green or with purple stripes. Fruit are often 5-12 cm long and oval.

A tropical plant. It suits the tropical highlands. It grows in the temperate Andes region. It grows up to 3200 m altitude in these regions and down to 500 m. It does best in a warm frost free environment. It will survive temperatures of-2°C for short periods. It does not suit hot dry areas. The plants will not set fruit until night temperatures are above 18°C. It does best in a free draining soil. A neutral pH 6.5-7.5 is best. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.

Fruit can be eaten fresh or used in drinks. The taste is similar to a cantaloupe. They can be made into sauces, jams and preserves. Young fruit are cooked as a vegetable.

Plants can be grown from seed. Often cuttings are used. Stem cuttings 9-14 cm long with 4-leaves are suitable. Rooting hormone, bottom heat and mist help propagation. A spacing of 1 m is appropriate.