Hairy Nightshade, Red-fruited nightshade
Solanum villosum

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is like Blackberried nightshade but the stems are white and hairy in their upper sections. The flowers are in clusters of 3-5. The fruit are red, orange or yellow when ripe. They are 1 cm across. The seeds can often be seen through the fruit wall.

There are about 1400 Solanum species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Kenya it grows in coastal zones. It grows from sea level to 2,400 m above sea level. The best temperature is 20-30°C. An annual rainfall of 500-1,200 mm is suitable.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Angola, Asia, Australia, Benin, Burundi, Central Africa, Central Asia, China, Cyprus, East Africa, Ethiopia, Europe, Greece, Himalayas, India, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Mediterranean, Middle East, Nepal, Nigeria, North Africa, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia

How it is used for food

The leaves and shoots are cooked and eaten. The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for chutney.

It is a popular vegetable in some places. Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Under ideal conditions seeds germinate in 7 days. Stem cuttings can be used.

Plants flower after 5-8 weeks.

Its other names

Local names

An-hling, Kaach mach, Kachmach, Karveloon, Kuchmacho, Mako, Tunaye

Synonyms

Solanum luteum Mill.;