Lycianthes pilifera

(Benth.) Bitter

Mexican apple

Solanaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below 3 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A tropical and subtropical plant with annual stems arising from an underground rootstock. It grows in shaded valleys and is frost-sensitive, though it performs best in sunny positions.

Edible Uses

The ripe fruit are eaten raw or cooked and are sometimes sold in local markets.

Traditional Uses

The ripe fruit are eaten raw or cooked.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Known Hazards

Although providing many well-known foods for people, including the potato, tomato, pepper and aubergine, most plants in the family Solanaceae also contain poisonous alkaloids. Unless there are specific entries with information on edible uses, it would be unwise to ingest any part of this plant.

Distribution

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in shaded valleys. It is best in a sunny position. Plants are damaged by frost.

Where It Grows

Central America, Mexico, North America,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seedlings can be transplanted.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frost.

Other Information

The fruit are sometimes sold in local markets.

Synonyms

Solanum piliferum Benth.

References (4)

Fern, K., 2012, Tropical Species Database http://theferns.info/tropical/
Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 822 (As Solanum pilifera)
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/ (As Solanum pilifera)
Terra, G.J.A., 1973, Tropical Vegetables. Communication 54e Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, p 76 (As Solanum pilifera)