Solanum distichum

Schumach. & Thonn.

Solanaceae Edible: Leaves, Fruit Potential hazards — see below

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Meise Botanic Garden

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The New York Botanical Garden

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Meise Botanic Garden

Description

A tropical shrub in the Solanaceae family that can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

Both the leaves and fruit are edible; the fruit are cooked and used to flavour stews, and leaves are sold in local markets.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are cooked and used to flavour stews.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The bitter-tasting, small, red fruits are used for various medicinal purposes.

Known Hazards

Although providing many well-known foods for people, including the potato, tomato, pepper and aubergine, most species in this genus also contain toxic alkaloids. Whilst these alkaloids can make the plant useful in treaing a range of medical conditions, they can also cause problems such as nausea, vomiting, salivation, drowsiness, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weakness and respiratory depression. 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 plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo DR, Equatorial Guinea,

Cultivation

It can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Propagation

Seed - sow in trays in a nursery. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on fast. Plant them out when 10cm or more tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood. Very easy, the cuttings root within a couple of weeks.