Description
African eggplant, Solanum aethiopicum, is a deciduous shrub in the family Solanaceae which is grown for its edible fruits which are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. African eggplant is a highly branching plant which can grow up to 2 m (6.6 ft) in height. The leaves of the plant are arranged alternately on the stems and have smooth or lobed margins. Leaf blades may reach up to 30 cm (11.8 in) in length and 21 cm (8.3 in) in width. The leaf petioles are oval or elliptical in shape, reaching up to 11 cm (4.3 in) in length. Plants produce clusters of up to 12 white flowers which develop into egg- or spindle-shaped berries which are red to orange in color with a smooth or grooved surface depending on variety. African eggplant may also be referred to as scarlet eggplant, bitter tomato, mock tomato, garden egg or Ethiopian nightshade and is native to Africa, likely resulting from the domestication of a related species, S. anguivi.
African eggplant fruit
African eggplant fruit
African eggplant
African eggplant fruit
Field of African eggplant
African eggplant flowering
Uses
African eggplant is grown primarily for its bitter orange-red fruit, which may be eaten boiled, steamed, pickled or in stews with meat and other vegetables. Young leaves are also often used in soups.
Propagation
Basic requirements Growth requirements for African eggplant vary with variety. All types grow best in full sun in well-draining, deep soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Gilo types grow best at daytime temperatures between 25 and 35°C (77 and 95°F). Kumba types can grow in hotter temperatures of up to 45°C in low humidity, whereas Shum types require warm and humid conditions in order to thrive. No varieties of African eggplant tolerate very cold or water-logged conditions. Growing from seed African eggplant seeds can be collected from fully ripe fruits. Once the seeds have been extracted, they should be laid out on a piece paper to dry in a place where they are not exposed to direct sunlight. Once dry, seeds can be stored for many years and still remain viable. Seeds should be planted in a prepared nursery bed and should be sown 15 cm (6 in) apart with a further 20 cm (8 in) between rows. Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they reach 15 to 20 cm (6–8 in) in height and have 5–7 leaves. Plants should be hardened prior to transplanting by gradually reducing the amount of water they receive. Plants should be spaced 50 cm (20 in) apart allowing 75 cm (30 in) between rows. General care and maintenance African eggplants will benefit from frequent irrigation during the dry season, particularly when fruiting, to ensure high yields. The crop should be weeded as required to prevent competition. Addition of fertilizer in the form of cattle or chicken or cattle manure or compost will improve yields. Harvesting African eggplant is typically ready for harvest 100 to 120 days after planting. The fruit should be harvested before the skin changes color from white to pale yellow when the skin becomes tough. Fruits should be harvested regularly to encourage maximum fruit production. Young leaves may be harvested from 45-60 days of growth.
References
James, B., Atcha-Ahowé, C., Godonou, I., Baimey, H., Goergen, G., Sikirou, R., and Toko, M. (2010). Integrated pest management in vegetable production: A guide for extension workers in West Africa. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. Available at: teca.fao.org/technology/integrated-pest-management-vegetable-production-guide-extension-workers-west-africa. [Accessed 30 June 2015, but note Teca.fao is down, so the whole link not placed here Nov. 1, 2018]. Free to access.
Eng/Jamal H Jahlan
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