Common Name: Naranjilla

General Information

Solanum quitoense is an erect, short-lived perennial plant with stems that can become more or less woody; it can grow 1 - 3 metres tall[].
This is one of the most esteemed fruit crops in Andean South America, where the raw fruits are sweetened to make a delicious juice. The plant is often cultivated for its fruit in northwestern S. America and, in recent years, its cultivation has spread to many other tropical and subtropical areas[, ].

Known Hazards

The fruits are covered in stinging hairs, though these are easily removed[].
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[].

Botanical References

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Range

Western S. America - Ecuador, Colombia, Peru.

Habitat

Montane forests[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Self, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants can be grown from quite low elevations in the tropics up to an elevation of 2,500 metres or more[]. They do not do well in hot, lowland tropical areas[]. They appear to be tolerant of temperatures up to about 30°c[], but are intolerant of frost[]. They prefer an annual precipitation of around 1,500mm fairly evenly spread through the year since dry periods can lead to a check in growth[].
Plants generally prefer a sunny position, but at lowland elevations they will often benefit from light shade[]. Can succeed in a range of soils so long as they are rich in organic matter[]. Prefers a light, fertile, well-drained soil[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7, tolerating 5.8 - 8[]. Grows best in a position sheltered from strong winds[].
Introduced into the Galapagos by settlers, it is considered to be invasive there[].
Seedling plants generally commence fruiting when about 10 - 13 months old[].
Annual yields of 1 - 2 tonnes of fruit per hectare are obtained[].
Plants can flower and fruit all year round[]. The flowers are hermaphrodite and plants are usually self-fertile[].
The plant is susceptible to attack by nematodes and other pests, limiting its cultivation. In recent years its has been hybridized with various species, especially with S. Sessiliflorum, with the result that most plants grown and served in Ecuador comes from this hybrid. The hybrid can be distinguished from the true lulo by the colour of its fruit pulp: pure Solanum quitoense has bright green fruit pulp, whereas the hybrids most often have yellowish or, at most, light greenish fruit pulp[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. It is used mainly in sauces and preserves[]. The tart yet sweet flavour is very refreshing[]. The pulp is very juicy[]. The juice, which is rich in protein and minerals, is used in effervescent drinks[]. The hairs on the skin of the fruit are removed before the fruit is eaten[]. The fruit is up to 5cm in diameter[] and is produced in clusters of 3 - 4 fruits[].

Medicinal

The fruit is used to make a beverage that can treat angina[].

The flowers are used in the treatment of diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

An extract of the fruit is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a hair and skin conditioner[].
The fruit is used as a hair shampoo[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a seedbed or in containers. Plant out when 10 - 15cm tall[].

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