Bitter tomato
Solanum incanum

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A herb or shrub. It grows 120 cm high. The stems and branches are yellow-green. They have prickles up to 8 mm long. These can be straight or curved. The leaves are 4-8 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They are broadly oval. The flower are purple-blue. The fruit is a round berry. It is 2-3 cm long and yellow. The seeds are 2.5 mm wide.

It is used in medicine. This plant is the original plant from which Solanum melongena was selected.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 1-2,350 m above sea level. It needs good light. In Pakistan it grows up to 1,400 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Arabia, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, Congo DR, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, North Africa, Northeastern India, Oman, Pakistan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sikkim, Socotra, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The immature fruit and young leaves are cooked and eaten. They are used in pickles. The fruit juice is used as a rennet to curdle milk. The fruit are pounded with red peppers and cola to make a drink.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, fruit - spice

How it is grown

It can be cut back and will re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Asind, Bah N'goyo, Bee, Bitter apple, Data, Gautan-daci, Idi-gaga, Imbway, Intobo, Jakato, Jangli baingan, Jangli khashi, Kori wal, Mahokari, Mahora, Matungusa, Morolwana, Mtonda, Mtula, Mtungusa, Nangali, Nduo, Ngbako, Soropes, Thorn apple, Tingi, Umucucu, Undulele, Waniinye

Synonyms

Solanum esculentum Drege; Solanum bojeri Dunal; Solanum iodes Dammer; Solanum sanctum L.; Solanum sodomeum L.; Solanum subexarmatum Dunal; Solanum beniense De Wild.; Solanum melongena L. var. incanum (L.) Kuntze;