Solanum schumannianum
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
An erect herb or shrub. It grows 3.5 m high. The branches have dense bristles. The leaves are simple and arranged in spirals. They are 6-25 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped and they taper to the tip. The flowers are in groups near the ends of the branches. The fruit are round berries. They are 6-8 mm across. They turn yellow then red as they ripen.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in the mountains of Kenya and Tanzania. It grows between 1,300-2,700 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania
How it is used for food
The fruit are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are also eaten raw. The fruit can be dried and pounded and stored as powder for later use. The fruit are pounded and mixed with onion and lemon juice and used as a substitute for vinegar.
Fruit are offered in markets. It is occasionally cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit, vegetable
How it is grown
Fruit are collected during the rainy season. Dried fruit can be pounded and stored.
Its other names
Local names
Mndujwi, Mtula, Mtunguja, Njujui, Omutura