Cannibal’s tomato
Solanum uporo
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
A small shrub similar to a tomato. It grows 1-1.5 m tall. It can be grown as an annual or perennial. The leaves are alternate and dark green. The fruit is bright red. They are 2.5 cm across.
There are about 1400 Solanum species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in a rich, well drained soil in a sunny position.
Countries/locations it is found in
Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Niue, Pacific, Polynesia, Tahiti, Tonga
How it is used for food
The fruit is used like tomato to flavour sauces etc. The leaves are eaten as salad greens.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Boro dina, Polo iti, Sou bokola, Uporo-poro