Naranjilla
Solanum quitoense
- Native to:
- Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galápagos, Panamá, Peru, Venezuela
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Solanum
- Species:
- Solanum quitoense
- USDA Symbol:
- SOQU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 250 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Eggplant fruit borer (Neoleucinodes elegantalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to Andean regions with high organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate in 2-4 weeks at 20-25°C with consistent moisture; no pretreatment required.