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SOLANUM MELONGENA L. - EGGPLANT.)
Common name Eggplant, aubergine, terong, oriental eggplant, garden eggplant, italian eggplant, berenjena, nasu, ngagwa, talong, brinjal, melongene, Guinea squash, Apple-of-love, Asiatic aubergine, Garden egg, Gully bean, Japanese eggplant, Melanzana, Oriental eggplant, Pea apple, Pea aubergine, Poor-man's-caviar, Susumber, Terong, White eggplant. Family Solanaceae (Nightshade family). Overview A small tropical perennial with purple flowers, native to Africa and Asia; growing up to a height of 55 inches. Wild types can grow much larger, up to 85 inches. The leaves are pubescent and sometimes spiny. The fruits grow up to 25"; can weigh up to 2½ lb. and have numerous soft seeds. These fruits (actually berries), may be black, purple, green, white, striped, and sometimes even red. Eggplants come in many shapes, sizes and colors. This vegetable with a spongy texture, is also used extensively in the Surinam cuisine. Suriname's traditional medicine The roots of the eggplant are used against internal hemorrhage and asthma; the leaves and bark against dysentery. This plant is also effective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and in the control of cholesterol. Hardiness USDA zone 9B - 11. It can be grown in zone 7 and 8 as an annual. Propagation Seeds. Culture Need lots of water and prefer ordinary garden soil. Plant in frost free locations; this plant is cold-sensitive and requires a long warm season. |