Solanum spirale
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows 4 m tall. The stem is erect and has sharp ridges. The plant is green. The leaves have very small leaves near there base. The flowers are white. They are in dense spiral groups. The fruit are round and yellow when ripe.
There are about 1400 Solanum species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows on the edges of forests and by roads and tracks. In Yunnan in China it grows between 500-1900 m above sea level. In XTBG Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The fruit are used to make soup. They are also eaten raw. The fruit are used as a spice. They are also used for chutney. They are usually dried. The young leaves are cooked and eaten. CAUTION: The unripe fruit are poisonous.
Leaves are sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Banga, Bangko, Chatu bili, Gai ge lei lu, Hai xi ba ha, Jihaweiniu, Jok-ho, Kaithuh, Kanarengma, Khunthai goukha, Ku liao liao ye, Loratita, Mak did, Mungas kajur, Mungaskajur, Nkabua, Oko oing, Oko-ing, Pali, Pa lie, Shengkao, Soh-jaring, Soh-jhari, Titakuchi, Tutakuchi, Yavsailpavqhaq, Yiaseibuka