Casana
Solanum cajanumense

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The fruit are golden-yellow.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It needs cool shady conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It grows in cloud forest. It grows between 1,500-3,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Andes, Colombia, Ecuador, New Zealand, Peru, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are edible. Caution: Other parts of the plant are toxic.

It is being explored as a possible commercial crop in New Zealand. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Cajanuma nightshade, Mihinkas, Nanagonkawe, Pepinello, Pepino de campo, Tomate silvestre

Synonyms

Cyphomandra cajanumensis (Kunth) Walp.; Cyphomandra casana A.Child; Pionandra cajanumensis (Kunth) Miers;