There is some disagreement among taxonomists as to the correct name of this plant. It is also listed as Solanum melanocerasum - which is treated here as a synonym[].

Common Name: Garden Huckleberry

General Information

Solanum scabrum is an unarmed, erect, widely-spreading annual or short-lived perennial plant; it can grow up to 100cm tall, occasionally to 150cm[].
This is a cultivated form of Solanum nigrum, that is occasionally grown for its edible fruit and leaves. The leaves are a common vegetable in parts of Africa and the plant is often cultivated in west Africa[]. The plant also has a range of local medicinal uses.

Known Hazards

There is a lot of disagreement over whether or not the leaves or fruit of this plant are poisonous. Views vary from relatively poisonous to perfectly safe to eat. The plant is cultivated as a food crop, both for its fruit and its leaves, in some parts of the world and it is probably true to say that toxicity can vary considerably according to where the plant is grown and the cultivar that is being grown[, , , , , ]. The unripe fruit contains the highest concentration of toxins[].

Botanical References

,

Range

A form of Solanum nigrum derived in cultivation.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Self, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Solanum scabrum is a plant of garden origin. It succeeds as a short-lived perennial in the tropics from sea level to elevations of 2,000 metres, but in more temperate areas it is grown as an annual[]. Plants grow best at a temperature in the range 20 - 30°c and a rainfall of 500mm or more[]. They are intolerant of frost[].
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils[], growing best when there is a high content of organic matter in the soil[]. Sandy loams to friable clay soils with a pH of 6.0 - 6.5 are suitable. Grows best in full sun, but plants tolerate a reasonable level of shade[]. Intolerant of dry conditions[].
After seed emergence, growth is fast. The first flowers appear 8 - 11 weeks after sowing[].
A first harvest of the leaves can take place about 2 - 3 months after sowing the seed[]. The stems are cut down to about 15cm from the ground, allowing new side shoots to develop. The length of harvested shoot varies from 15 - 50 cm, depending on the cultivar. Further harvests can take place at 7 - 14 day intervals, for up to 10 crops[].
Yields of 7 - 27 tonnes of shoots per hectare are reported per harvest. Yields decline significantly after the sixth harvest unless adequate fertilizer is applied. Cumulative yields may reach 40 tonnes per hectare[].
There is at least one named form[].
Caterpillars and slugs are particularly fond of this plant and can totally destroy it[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - cooked[, , , ]. Used in preserves, jams and pies[]. A pleasant musky taste[]. Only the fully ripe fruits should be used, the unripe fruits contain the toxin solanine[, , ]. Often cooked with some baking soda first in order to remove any bitterness. The fruit contains about 2.5% protein, 0.6% fat, 5.6% carbohydrate, 1.2% ash[]. The deep purple to black fruit is 10 - 16mm in diameter[, ].
The fruits of this species are not eaten in Africa - reports of edibility from North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand refer to types or cultivar-groups that do not occur in Africa[].

Young leaves and new shoots - raw or cooked as a potherb or added to soups[, , , , , , ]. The leaves contain appreciable amounts of methionine[]. See notes at the top of the page regarding possible toxicity.

Medicinal

The whole plant is antiperiodic, antiphlogistic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, febrifuge, narcotic, purgative and sedative[, , , , , ]. It is harvested in the autumn when both flowers and fruit are upon the plant, and is dried for later use[]. Use with caution[], see notes above on toxicity.

The leaves, stems and roots are used in the treatment of cancerous sores, leucoderma and wounds[].
Extracts of the plant are analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator[]. The plant has been used in the manufacture of locally analgesic ointments and the juice of the fruit has been used as an analgesic for toothaches[].

The raw fruit is chewed and swallowed to treat stomach ulcers or stomach-ache[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Grows well with clover[]. Does not grow well with wormwood or white mustard and, when these plants are growing, they increase its content of toxic alkaloids[].

Other Uses

Both the leaves and fruits are a source of dyes. The anthocyanin pigments in the purple to black fruits are used as a dye or as a kind of ink[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ.
The seed can also be sown in a greenhouse during the spring if required since this will normally produce larger crops of fruit. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out in late spring.