Mock Tomato (Solanum aethiopicum)

Family: Solanaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Solanum aethiopicum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring for other foods. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; It can be cooked when immature or when fully ripe.; The unripe, bitter fruits are eaten like aubergine (Solanum melongena), typically fried.; The fruit can be used like aubergine (Solanum melongena) as a vegetable or as a flavouring for other foods.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 10)