Common Name: Aubergine

General Information

Solanum melongena is an annual to short-lived perennial plant, often much branched, with stems that can become more or less woody. It can grow up to 1.5 metres tall, occasionally to 2 metres[]..
The aubergine has arisen through cultivation, the fruit being a popular vegetable, especially in the tropics. The plant also has a range of traditional medicinal applications. It is often cultivated in gardens and also commercially, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, for its edible fruit, which is commonly sold im markets[, ].

Known Hazards

All green parts of the plant are poisonous[].
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

The origin of this plant is obscure.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Aubergines grow well in lowland tropical areas and at elevations up to 1,200 metres[]. The plant is not frost-tolerant, but in warmer regions of the temperate zone it can be grown outdoors as an annual crop. A steady temperature of 25 - 30°c is required during the growing season for the best production of flowers and fruit[]. Plants can be grown in both wet and dry seasons, though excessive rainfall slows down growth and reduces flowering[].
Requires a sunny position. Plants grow best in a well-drained, sandy soil with plenty of organic matter, though they succeed in most soils[]. They require plenty of moisture[], though the soil should be well-drained. Requires a pH in the range 5.5 to 6.8[].
Harvesting can begin about 3 - 4 months after sowing the seed and can continue for more than a year in the tropics[]. Yields of up to 5 tonnes per hectare have been achieved[].
In cooler climates, when grown as annuals, the plants should be restricted to no more than 4 fruits to make sure they reach a good size and ripen properly[].
There are many named varieties[, ].
Plants are rarely bothered by pests or diseases[]. Slugs, snails and caterpillars love this plant[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. The fruit should not be eaten raw[]. It can be baked, stewed or added to soups, curries etc[]. The fruit is said to be very nutritious[]. It is a good source of vitamin C and potassium[]. The fruit can be up to 20cm long in cultivated plants[].

Leaves - mixed with rice bran and salt in which 'Daikon' (a form of radish [Raphanus sativa]) roots have been pickled[]. Caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

Medicinal

The aubergine is used mainly as a food crop, but it does also have various medicinal uses that make it a valuable addition to the diet. In particular the fruit helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and is suitable as part of a diet to help regulate high blood pressure[, ].
The warmed fruit paste is applied to painful joints[].

The fruit is antihaemorrhoidal and hypotensive[]. It is also used as an antidote to poisonous mushrooms[]. It is bruised with vinegar and used as a poultice for cracked nipples, abscesses and haemorrhoids[, , ].

The leaves are narcotic[]. A decoction is applied to discharging sores and internal haemorrhages[]. A soothing and emollient poultice for the treatment of burns, abscesses, cold sores, haemorrhoids and similar conditions can be made from the leaves[]. Aubergine leaves are toxic and should only be used externally[].

The ashes of the peduncle are used in the treatment of intestinal haemorrhages, piles and toothache[].

A decoction of the root is antiasthmatic, astringent and general stimulant[, , ]. It is made into a powder and applied both internally and externally as a remedy for bleeding[]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of otitis and toothache[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Aubergines grow well with beans, tarragon and thyme[]. Aromatic plants such as lavender, tansy, marigolds or wormwood help to keep aphids at bay[]. Grows badly with potatoes, onions and garlic[].

Other Uses

Extracts of both the fruits and the roots are used as ingredients in commercial cosmetic preparations as skin conditioners[].
The dried and powdered fruit is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations for oral care[].

The leaves contain tannin[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in warm water and sow in a seedbed or in containers[]. Germination takes 8 - 12 days at temperatures of 22 - 28°c[]. The expansion of the cotyledons takes a few days and the first true leaf appears after one week. Plant out when 8 - 10cm tall[].

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