Solanum quitoense
| Naranjilla / lulo (Solanum quitoense) | |
|---|---|
| Naranjilla fruit image | |
| Scientific name | Solanum quitoense Lam. |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Growth form | Perennial shrub, often short-lived in cultivation |
| Native range | Costa Rica to Venezuela and Peru; Galápagos |
| Native biome | Humid and seasonally dry tropical uplands |
| Mature height | About 2 to 2.5 m |
| Soil | Rich, organic, well drained; mildly acidic to neutral |
| Flowers | White to cream, often purple-hairy outside |
| Fruit | Orange, aromatic berry with green, juicy pulp |
| Propagation | Seed; cuttings and grafting used for selected plants |
| Harvest | When fruit turns orange and separates readily from the plant |
Naranjilla or lulo (Solanum quitoense) is an Andean fruit shrub in the genus Solanum, family Solanaceae, and order Solanales. It is grown for its aromatic orange berries, whose green pulp is commonly blended into juice. Colombia commonly calls the fruit lulo, while Ecuador uses naranjilla.[1][2]
Description
Solanum quitoense is a spreading, herbaceous to somewhat woody shrub that can reach about 2 to 2.5 m. The large leaves are soft and velvety, commonly heart-shaped or broadly ovate, with purple coloration or veins on some forms. The stems and leaves may carry conspicuous hairs, and some plants have prickles. Flowers are creamy to white, with hairy purple coloration on the outer surfaces of the buds and calyx.[1]
The fruit is a round berry, generally up to about 6 cm across. The skin changes from green to orange as it ripens, while the pulp remains green, juicy, and aromatic, containing numerous small seeds. Fruit commonly develops in clusters of several berries.[1]
Climate and site
The species is native from Costa Rica through Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Peru, with the Galápagos also included in the accepted range. It is associated with tropical uplands and can be cultivated in warm subtropical conditions, but frost is damaging. Plants perform best with bright light and protection from strong wind; light shade can be useful in hot lowland climates.[2]
Use a fertile, organic soil that drains freely but does not dry rapidly. A loam amended with compost and coarse material is preferable to compacted clay. Maintain even moisture during active growth, while avoiding prolonged saturation around the roots. A mildly acidic to neutral reaction is suitable; the species can tolerate a wider range when drainage and organic matter are good.[1]
Propagation
Fresh seed is the usual propagation method. Clean the pulp from the seed, sow in a sterile, free-draining medium, and keep warm and evenly moist. Seedlings are genetically variable and may differ in fruit quality, spine expression, vigor, and disease tolerance. Selected plants can also be maintained by vegetative methods, including cuttings or grafting onto compatible Solanum rootstocks, but the method and rootstock should be matched to the cultivar and local disease pressure.[1]
Flowering, fruiting and harvest
Flowering and fruiting depend strongly on elevation, temperature, rainfall, and pruning. Harvest the berries when the skin has turned orange and the fruit detaches with little force. Handle ripe fruit carefully because the thin skin and soft pulp deteriorate quickly. In climates with a pronounced cool or dry period, the main crop may be seasonal; exact harvest timing: N/A.
Fruit and uses
The green pulp has a sharp, aromatic flavor and is most often strained or blended with water and sugar as lulo or naranjilla juice. It is also used in frozen desserts, sauces, preserves, and mixed drinks. The fruit is usually processed soon after harvest because its shelf life at room temperature is short.[1]
Pests and diseases
Root-knot nematodes are a serious production problem in some soils. Choose clean planting material, rotate away from heavily infested Solanaceae beds, improve drainage, and remove declining plants. Disease pressure varies by region; a species-specific pest schedule: N/A.[1]
Cultivars and selections
Commercial and local selections differ in spine expression, fruit color, plant architecture, and tolerance of nematodes or other soil problems. The thornless or less-prickly types are often preferred for handling, but cultivar names and performance are regional; a globally standardized cultivar list: N/A.
Container growing
Grow naranjilla in a large container with a rich but sharply draining mix. Provide morning sun or bright filtered light in hot climates, water when the upper layer begins to dry, and protect the plant from frost and drying wind. Replace or sterilize exhausted potting mix before replanting because soil pests can build up quickly.
Zone pushing
- Treat the plant as frost-sensitive and move containers under cover before cold weather.
- In hot lowland areas, use afternoon shade and maintain steady root-zone moisture.
- Keep the crown dry enough to avoid waterlogging while preventing severe drought stress.
- Record flowering, fruit size, nematode pressure, and winter minimums for each selection.
References
- ↑ Growables: Naranjilla, Solanum quitoense. Plant habit, fruit, uses, soil, hardiness, propagation, and production notes.
- ↑ Plants of the World Online: Solanum quitoense Lam.. Accepted name, range, and biome.
Image credits
- Summary image: Wikimedia Commons, Solanum quitoense.
- Inline fruit image: Wikimedia Commons.
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