Solanum Laciniatum

The Solanum Laciniatum species grows into a large shrub that can reach 4 meters in height and 5 meters in width.

The stems are dark green and succulent, eventually turning black and a rough light-brown as the plant matures.

Flowering occurs in spring and summer, with clusters of 3-5 flowers, followed by egg-shaped berries that are 20-30mm long and turn bright orange-yellow when ripe.

This fast-growing species is hardy in most soil types and conditions, except for salt spray.

It typically begins producing fruit and seeds at 2 years of age or older.

This versatile plant can be grown in a sunny location and can tolerate temperatures as low as -7 degrees Celsius.

As a bush food, the fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, but caution must be taken as the early fruits are highly  poisonous. As the fruit ripens, it turns a blood-orange color and can be used as a sweet fruit or as a vegetable. 

Solanum Laciniatum can be used as a natural remedy for swollen joints. Its fruit is known to contain a steroid that helps produce cortisone, while the leaves can be infused with hot water to extract high levels of the alkaloid solanine, which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.