Ethiopian Nightshade

Solanum aethiopicum

Also known as: Gilo

Native to:
Eritrea, Ethiopia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Solanum
Species:
Solanum aethiopicum
USDA Symbol:
SOAE2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to tropical Africa, prefers fertile soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best at 20-25°C. Light is not required but warm soil improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI