Solanum quitoense (F)
naranjilla
A tender, fast-growing shrub. Large green leaves are covered in fine hairs, with purple colouring along the veins. Spines protrude from the upper leaf surface and stems. Leaves and stems may display more purple colouring when young. Suitable for use in tropical style, ornamental planting. If given a long growing season it will produce white flowers, followed by orange fruits. Juice is made from the fruits when grown in tropical regions, but the fruits are covered in tiny hairs and may not fully ripen in the UK, so caution is advised
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | Brown Orange | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Purple | Brown Orange | |
| Autumn | White | Green Purple | Brown Orange | |
| Winter | Green Purple | Brown Orange |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Central America, NW South America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile moisture-retentive soil in good light. Can be planted outside in early summer. If grown just for the foliage, it can be treated as an annual
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Can be pruned in late summer or early autumn if plants are to be overwintered in a greenhouse
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
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