Pepino

Solanum muricatum

Physical Characteristics

Solanum muricatum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. 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

S. America - Chile, Peru.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw. A juicy, sweet aromatic and very agreeable flavour[1, 46, 61], somewhat like a honeydew melon[183]. The skin of some varieties has a disagreeable flavour[196]. The fruit contains 35mg vitamin C per 100g, 7% carbohydrates and 92% water[196]. The fruit should be harvested just before it is fully ripe and will store for several weeks at room temperature[196]. The fruit is about 10cm long and 6cm wide[200].

Medicinal Uses

Vitamin C None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many if not all the members have poisonous leaves and sometimes also the unripe fruits.