Puthrisunda, Turkey berry
Solanum violaceum
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
A herb or small shrub. It can grow 2 m tall. It has many branches. It is softly hairy. It has pale yellow prickles that curve backwards. The leaves are in unequal pairs. The leaves are 5-8 cm long by 4-7 cm wide. The leaf stalk can be 3 cm long. The leaf blades are divided into round lobes. The fruit are shiny orange berries. They can be 1.3 cm across.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. In southern China it grows between 100-2,700 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The unripe fruit are cooked and used as a vegetable.
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Edible parts
Fruit, vegetable
How it is grown
It flowers and fruits throughout the year.
Its other names
Local names
Kan, Khasa, Lan di, Lian huo, Si kuo kao yao, Thibbatu