There remains considerable confusion over the nomenclature of this plant and Solanum ferox. We have placed all the records for Solanum ferox here or under Solanum involucratum or Solanum repandum, as per the treatment in Solanaceae Source[]. However, ongoing research may necessitate a review of this[].

Common Name:

General Information

Solanum lasiocarpum is an erect or spreadingly branched, lignescent perennial growing 1 - 2 metres tall[].
The plant is occasionally cultivated for its edible fruits in New Guinea[]. It is cultivated and apparently domesticated in southeast Asia[].

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[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Isls.

Habitat

Forest openings, disturbed sites and second growth thickets at low to middle elevations from sea level to around 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,500 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 24 - 30°c, but can tolerate 10 - 35°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,200 - 2,000mm, but tolerates 800 - 4,200mm[].
Succeeds in full sun and in light shade[]. Can be grown in a wide range of well-drained, fertile soils[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, tolerating 4.5 - 7.5[].

Edible Uses

The fruits are used as a sour relish in sauces and curries[, ]. The fruit becomes more acid as it nears ripeness[].

Medicinal

The leaves are used as poultices for swellings[].

A decoction of the roots is prescribed to give relief when there are violent pains all over the body and discomfort after meals[]. A decoction is taken in the treatment of syphilis[].
The roots are used externally in a bath for fever at night, and, in a poultice, for itches, cuts, wounds, and severe bruises.

The seeds are used for treating toothache - they are burned and the fumes inhaled[].

The plant (part not specified) is used in Bangladesh and India to treat coughs, asthma, fever, vomiting, sore throat, gonorrhoea and female sexual disorders[].

Other Uses

The seeds yield a yellow coloured oil, containing palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid[]. This report does not specify if the oil has any uses, or even if it is in sufficient quantity to be utilized[].

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.

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