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Description
Solanum Melongena Black Beauty, commonly known as Black Beauty eggplant, is a popular variety of eggplant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is an annual plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant produces large, oval-shaped fruits that are glossy black in color and can weigh up to 1 pound. The flesh of the fruit is white and has a mild flavor with a slightly bitter taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Appearance
Solanum Melongena Black Beauty has a bushy growth habit and produces large, oval-shaped fruits that are glossy black in color. The leaves of the plant are large and heart-shaped, and can reach up to 8 inches in length. The flowers of the plant are star-shaped and can be white, purple, or blue in color. The fruits of the plant can grow up to 8 inches in length and 4 inches in diameter, and have a smooth, shiny surface.
Care Guide
To care for Solanum Melongena Black Beauty, provide the plant with regular watering and fertilization. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It also requires full sun exposure to grow and produce fruit. Solanum Melongena Black Beauty is hardy in USDA zones 5-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Solanum Melongena Black Beauty is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites. Diseases that can affect the plant include verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Habitat
Solanum Melongena Black Beauty is native to India and is grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is commonly grown in home gardens and commercial farms, and is an important ingredient in many cuisines.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for Solanum Melongena Black Beauty to mature?
A: Solanum Melongena Black Beauty typically takes 70-80 days to mature from planting to harvest.
Q: How often should I fertilize Solanum Melongena Black Beauty?
A: Solanum Melongena Black Beauty should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Solanum Melongena Black Beauty be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Solanum Melongena Black Beauty can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least 12 inches deep and wide.
Q: How should I prune Solanum Melongena Black Beauty?
A: Prune Solanum Melongena Black Beauty by removing any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Related Plants
- Solanum Melongena
- Solanum Aethiopicum
- Solanum Tuberosum
- Solanum Lycopersicum
References
- “Solanum Melongena Black Beauty.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a284.
- “Growing Eggplant.” University of Illinois Extension, web.extension.illinois.edu/veggies/eggplant.cfm.
- “Eggplant.” University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, ucanr.edu/sites/gardenweb/Vegetables/Eggplant.
