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Jesse Saylor
Solanaceae
Solanum integrifolium
Chinese Scarlet Eggplant, Pumpkin Tree, Turkish Eggplant, Turkish Orange Eggplant
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
At first glance, you'd think you're staring at an eggplant since there's purplish brown stems and large dull green leaves. Pumpkin tree differs in having many short thorns on its stems. The small white flowers that look like stars later develop into small tomato-like fruits, ranging in color from gold to orange and orange-red when fully ripe. These fruits are grooved, resembling little gourds or pumpkins. Once fall frosts kill the plant, these fruits persist on the dark colored stems, looking decorative, often used and sold in florist shops.
Grow pumpkin tree in a full to partial sun exposure in a moist, fertile but well-draining soil. It grows well in containers, but consider staking the plant to prevent it from toppling over in a rain or breeze. It is especially ornamental near a walkway or patio where the leaves and thorny, dark stems can be fully seen and cautiously touched if one dares, as well as to see the developing tiny "pumpkin" fruits. These fruits are pungent in flavor and edible, often used in Southeast Asian cuisines.
12 - 1
H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Annual
Full Sun, Partial Sun
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
Summer
Middle Africa
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam
Fast
Average Water
Upright/Erect
Summer, Fall
Insignificant
White
Orange, Gold, Orange Red
Green, Light Green
Green, Yellow Green
Burgundy, Sienna
No
Single
Yes
Coarse
Matte
Smooth
Container, Edible, Feature Plant, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Tropical
Birds
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