Solanum cari
Molina
What to Eat
Edible parts: Root
Young leaves can be cooked and eaten; they contain approximately 6990mg of beta carotene per 100g. Caution is advised regarding toxicity. The fruit is also edible when cooked, but should only be used once fully ripe. Caution is advised regarding toxicity.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
A tropical plant.
Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, North America, South America,
How to Identify
An annual reaching 1 m in height with hermaphroditic insect-pollinated flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with adequate drainage. Suitable for mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils. Requires full sun and consistently moist soil.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though it should be possible to grow it as a spring-sown annual. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant outside after the last expected frosts.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Other Uses
None known Special Uses
Wikipedia
An annual reaching 1 m in height with hermaphroditic insect-pollinated flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with adequate drainage. Suitable for mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils. Requires full sun and consistently moist soil.
Notes
There are about 1400 Solanum species.
Names & Synonyms
References (2)
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 613
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
