This perennial herb to small shrub has slender densely pubescent spiny stems and forms an open bushy habit. It has large mid-green lobed leaves and the purplish wheel-shaped flowers appear in summer and are followed by purple editable berries.  

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Solanum melongena is naturally found in the Indian subcontinent and is rare in its native habitat but has been cultivated in eastern Asia for centuries as a vegetable. 

It prefers a sheltered sunny position and grows in well drained organic rich moist soil with a pH range of 5.5-5.8 and is frost and drought tender.

Eggplant is grown for its editable fruit. It is planted in vegetable gardens, commonly as an annual or cultivated commercially in farms. It prefers a tropical climate but is grown in temperate regions if planted out after the last frost or grown in a greenhouse, this allows the fruit time to mature. 

Under cultivation plants should be restricted to 4-fruits in order to attain a good size and they should only be planted in the same bed every 4-years to reduce pest and disease problems. As the flowers are not attractive to bees hand pollination may be required to set the first blooms. The fruit can be roasted, grilled, baked, pickled or stuffed and is used in stir-fries. ID 3388

Solanum (so-LAH-num) melongena (mel-lon-GEENA)

Note:
This fruit is used in herbal remedies and is known to help lower blood cholesterol or regulate high blood pressure but care should be taken when handling the plant as the leaves are toxic.

Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee)
Potato Family