Solanum viarum

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A stout undershrub. It grows up to 1.2 m tall. The young parts have dense yellow hairs. They are prickly. The leaves are oval and have lobes. They are prickly on both surfaces. The flowers are in groups of a few. The flowers are 1 cm across. The fruit are round and 2.5 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In SW China it grows between 1,400-2,200 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Myanmar, North America, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, South America (country/location of origin), Tibet, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves and fruit are eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hati-bhekuri, Junglee bey, Tit-bhekuri

Synonyms

Solanum chloranthum DC.; Solanum khasianum var. chatterjeeanum Sengupta; Solanum reflexum Schrank; Solanum viridiflorum Rui & Pav.;