Wild aubergine (Solanum melongena ssp. cumingii)

Product description

This wild aubergine is one of the ancestors of the modern aubergine, but looks completely different with its yellow tomato-shaped fruits and striking spiny leaves. The species originates from Southeast Asia to India, Mauritius and Madagascar, where it grows as a shrubby plant in wet, disturbed landscapes. In nature, it is a perennial plant belonging to the nightshade family, which also includes the tomato. The shrub has striking green to purple spines that grow on both the stems and the leaf stalks and veins. The shrub produces light purple flowers, which are followed by small fruits that change colour from green to yellow after pollination.
 
There is much debate about the scientific name of some wild aubergine species, including this one. For a long time, this species was called Solanum insanum and is different from S. incanum, which originates mainly in Africa and India. Currently, Solanum melongena ssp. cumingii is the official name. Aubergines have been cultivated in East Asia for more than 2000 years. The aubergine was probably first introduced to Europe via Persia in the 7th to 8th century. The English name “eggplant” refers to the earlier white versions of the aubergine, while the name “aubergine” refers to the purple colour of the fruit that was also cultivated in the Middle Ages.

Like the aubergine, the fruit of the wild aubergine is edible after cooking or baking. In temperate climates, the shrub can be kept outdoors as an annual. Make sure it has a slightly sunny, preferably slightly moist environment and a warm location. The species can be pre-grown indoors and later planted outside. Make sure that the soil does not dry out too much and that the temperature does not drop too low. For this reason, a greenhouse is also a suitable place to keep the species. The species can also be kept as a perennial houseplant.

Sowing description: Sow seeds in sowing and cutting soil and germinate at 20-27 °C. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist and cover. Germination usually takes place within a few weeks.



Photo 5: Wikimedia Commons Sandy Knapp