Casana
Cyphomandra casana

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 2-4 m tall. It is evergreen. It is like a tamarillo but new growth is green. The leaves are darker green, large and more hairy than tamarillo. The fruit are yellow and 8 cm long by 4 cm wide. The fruit are edible. The fruit contain many seeds.

There are about 30 Cyphomandra species. An unresolved name in The Plant List.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in heavy clay soils. It suits cool, moist shady places. It needs frost free locations. It can stand some shade. It grows best in semi-shaded, misty rainforest. It needs good drainage.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes (country/location of origin), Australia, Ecuador, South America

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants grow easily from seed when sown fresh. The seeds germinate in 4 weeks at 15°C or in 2 weeks at 25°C. Plants can be grown from semi-ripe cuttings.

Fruiting begins in 2 years or when plant reach 2 m high.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

See previous Cyphomandra cajanumensis;