Solanum muricatum

Solanum muricatum is a species of evergreen shrub native to South America and grown for its sweet edible fruit. It is known as pepino dulce ("sweet cucumber" in English, in order to differentiate it from cucumber which is also called "pepino" in Spanish) or simply pepino. The pepino dulce fruit resembles a melon (Cucumis melo) in color, and its flavor recalls a succulent mixture of honeydew and cucumber, and thus it is also sometimes called pepino melon or melon pear. Another common name, tree melon, is more often used for the papaya (Carica papaya) though the pepino dulce plant generally does not look much like a tree; it looks more like a ground cover, trailing plant. The present species is, however, a close relative of other nightshades cultivated for their fruit, including the tomato (S. lycopersicum) and the eggplant/aubergine (S. melongena), which its own fruit closely resembles. The fruit is common in markets in Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Kenya, but less often overseas because it is quite sensitive to handling and does not travel well. Attempts to produce commercial cultivars and to export the fruit have been made in New Zealand, Turkey, Mauritius and Chile.

Description

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.

Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten raw and offers a juicy, sweet, aromatic flavour often compared to honeydew melon, though the skin of some varieties tastes unpleasant. It contains 35mg of vitamin C per 100g, 7% carbohydrates, and 92% water. Fruit should be harvested just before it is fully ripe and will keep for several weeks at room temperature. Individual fruits measure approximately 10cm long and 6cm wide.

Traditional Uses

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.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many if not all the members have poisonous leaves and sometimes also the unripe fruits.

Distribution

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.

Where It Grows

Africa, Andes*, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, East Africa, Ecuador, Hawaii, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, Peru, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America*, Tasmania, USA, West Indies, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Succeeds in most well-drained soils in a sunny position. If the soil is too fertile fruit production will suffer due to excess vegetative growth. Requires a pH above 6 in order to avoid disorders such as manganese toxicity or iron deficiency. Frequently cultivated for its edible fruit in S. America, there are some named varieties. Yields of 40 - 60 tonnes per hectare have been achieved. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, being cut to the ground by fairly light frosts. Seedlings show no resistance to frost, established plants are cut back at -3°c. In a warm position and given a good mulch however, the roots can survive the winter and regrow from the base in the spring. Cuttings are exceedingly easy and these can be overwintered in a greenhouse to provide fresh plants for the following year. Plants do not appear to have a sensitivity to day-length. Plants can set fruit parthenocarpically (without fertilization or seed being formed) but self-fertilization or insect fertilization greatly encourages fruiting. High temperatures, particularly above 30°c, at flowering time can cause the flowers to abort.

Propagation

Sow seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow them on under glass for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, with some cold protection for at least the first winter outdoors. Alternatively, take half-ripe cuttings in July or August in a frame — this is very easy. Overwinter cuttings in a greenhouse and plant out after the last expected frosts.

Other Uses

None known

Production

Plants normally fruit in 9-12 months. Although fruit can form without pollination, a heavier crop occurs with self or cross pollination. The fruit matures in 30 - 80 days after pollination. Fruit should be picked when ripe to get the best flavour and sweetness. Fruit bruise easily so need careful handling. Fruit can be 500 g to 1 kg each.

Other Information

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Notes

There are about 1400 Solanum species. It has a good iodine content.

Nutrition

Synonyms

Also Known As

Cachum, Kachuma, Kachun, Melon-pear, Melon pera, Melon-shrub, Pear melon, Pepino melon, Pepino-doce, Xachum

References (38)

• Arora, R. K., 2014, Diversity in Underutilized Plant Species - An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Bioversity International. p 86
• Castillo, R. O., 1995, Plant Genetic Resources in the Andes: Impact, Conservation, and Management. Crop Science 35:355-360
• Correll, D. S., 1967, Flora of Peru. Vol. 8 Part V-B No. 2. Field Museum Natural History. Chicago. p 278
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1347
• Darley, J.J., 1993, Know and Enjoy Tropical Fruit. P & S Publishers. p 122

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