Aubergine, Eggplant

Solanum melongena

Physical Characteristics

Solanum melongena is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

The origin of this plant is obscure.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 2, 16, 27, 33]. The fruit should not be eaten raw[132]. It can be baked, stewed or added to soups, curries etc[183]. The fruit is said to be very nutritious[7]. It is a good source of vitamin C and potassium[201]. The fruit can be up to 20cm long in cultivated plants[200]. Leaves - mixed with rice bran and salt in which 'Daikon' (a form of radish [Raphanus sativa]) roots have been pickled[183]. Caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

Medicinal Uses

Anticholesterolemic Antidote Astringent Narcotic Poultice Vitamin C The aubergine is used mainly as a food crop, but it does also have various medicinal uses that make it a valuable addition to the diet. In particular the fruit helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and is suitable as part of a diet to help regulate high blood pressure[7, 254]. The fruit is antihaemorrhoidal and hypotensive[7]. It is also used as an antidote to poisonous mushrooms[218]. It is bruised with vinegar and used as a poultice for cracked nipples, abscesses and haemorrhoids[178, 218, 254]. The leaves are narcotic[240]. A decoction is applied to discharging sores and internal haemorrhages[218]. A soothing and emollient poultice for the treatment of burns, abscesses, cold sores and similar conditions can be made from the leaves[254]. Aubergine leaves are toxic and should only be used externally[254]. The ashes of the peduncle are used in the treatment of intestinal haemorrhages, piles and toothache[218]. A decoction of the root is astringent[178, 218].

Known Hazards

All green parts of the plant are poisonous[19].