The African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) is a tropical plant that is native to Africa and is grown for its edible fruit:
Appearance
African eggplants can grow up to 6.6 feet tall and have large leaves that can grow up to 11.8 inches long and 8.3 inches wide. The plant produces 12 white flowers that develop into egg-shaped berries that are red or orange in color.
Other names
African eggplant is also known as scarlet eggplant, bitter tomato, mock tomato, garden egg, or Ethiopian nightshade.
Uses
African eggplant is cultivated for food, medicinal purposes, and as an ornamental plant. The leaves are a good source of potassium and vitamin A.
Planting
African eggplants should be started indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting and spaced 2 feet between plants and 2 feet between rows. Harvesting can begin about 60 days after transplanting.
