Solanum anguivi

Cultivation Details

The plant prefers relatively humid localities, being rare in arid ones^[2]. The seeds are often dispersed by birds in farmers' fields where the plants grow as a weed, but are often not removed by the farmers since the fruits are picked and eaten^[2]. When grown in gardens, plants are spaced 100 - 150cm apart to allow for vigorous horizontal branching. Spacing may be wider if a few plants are left to grow in a garden among other crops^[2]. Flowering starts 2 - 3 months after germination. Flowers open early in the morning when it is still dark^[2]. Fruit harvest starts 10 - 13 weeks after plant establishment. The fruits are ready for picking 2 - 3 weeks after fruit set, i.e. When they have reached a reasonable size but are still immature and green^[2]. Only the quantity needed for immediate consumption is picked^[2]. The crop keeps producing for up to a year or more^[2]. When seeds are required, fruits are allowed to reach full maturity turning orange-red in colour, i.e. About 4 - 6 weeks after fruit set^[2]. Most plants survive for one rainy season and then die in the dry season, but occasionally large plants of about two years old may be found^[2]. Since a few plants are normally found scattered in fields of other crops, there are no special management techniques for Solanum anguivi. Occasionally some branches may be pruned to stop the plant from becoming too bushy^[2]. Cultivation is rarely practised, but the same cultivation techniques as for Solanum aethiopicum may be used^[2]. The plant is mainly self-pollinated, but out-crossing by bees may take place. The stigma is receptive some hours before the flowers are open and remains receptive for about two days^[2].