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Description
Solanum Villosum is a species of flowering plant in the Solanaceae family. It is commonly known as the hairy-fruited eggplant and is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall and has a spreading habit. The stem, leaves, and fruit of the plant are covered in fine hairs, and the fruit is small and round, about 1-2 centimeters in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliophyta |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Appearance
Solanum Villosum has a distinctive appearance due to its fine hairs that cover the stem, leaves, and fruit. The leaves are ovate or elliptic, up to 10 cm long, and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small and star-shaped, about 1 cm in diameter, and usually white or light purple. The fruit is small and round, about 1-2 cm in diameter, and covered in fine hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance. The fruit is green when young, turning yellow or orange when ripe.
Care Guide
Solanum Villosum is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant Solanum Villosum in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Solanum Villosum prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Solanum Villosum is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Solanum Villosum is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can also cause yellowing leaves and can be difficult to control.- Whiteflies: These insects can cause yellowing leaves and a sticky residue on the plant.- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes the plant to wilt and die. There is no cure for this disease, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
Solanum Villosum is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including open fields, forests, and disturbed areas. It is also cultivated as a food crop in some regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Solanum Villosum edible?
A: Yes, the fruit of Solanum Villosum is edible and is used in some Asian cuisines.
Q: How often should I fertilize Solanum Villosum?
A: Fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Solanum Villosum?
A: Solanum Villosum is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: How tall does Solanum Villosum grow?
A: Solanum Villosum can grow up to 2 meters tall.
Related Plants
– Solanum Melongena (Eggplant)- Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato)- Solanum Tuberosum (Potato)- Solanum Nigrum (Black Nightshade)
References
– “Solanum Villosum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 4, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d240.- “Hairy-fruited Eggplant.” PlantVillage. Accessed October 4, 2021. https://www.plantvillage.org/en/topics/hairy-fruit-eggplant.
