Naranjilla

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Lulo/Naranjilla
Grown as a patio decoration
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Subkingdom: Tracheobionta Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Asteridae Order: Solanales Family: Solanaceae Genus: Solanum Species: S. quitoense
Binomial name
Solanum quitoense Lam.
Synonyms
See text

Solanum quitoense, known as naranjilla ([na.ɾan.ˈxi.ʎa], "little orange") in Ecuador and as lulo ([ˈlu.lo], from Quechua) in Colombia, is a subtropical perennial plant from northwestern South America. The scientific name means "nightshade from Quito".

The naranjilla plant is attractive, with large heart-shaped leaves up to 30cm in length. The leaves and stems of the plant are covered in short purple hairs. Naranjilla are delicate plants and must be protected from strong winds and direct sunlight. They grow best in partial shade. Its USDA/NRCS symbol is SOQU.

The fruit have a citrus flavour, sometimes described as a combination of rhubarb and lime. The juice of the naranjillas is green and is often used as a beverage. The naranjilla fruit is harvested when fully ripe to avoid the fruit becoming sour.

[edit] Synonyms

This plant has been described under a number of junior synonyms:^[1]

• Solanum angulatum Ruiz & Pav.
• Solanum macrocarpon Molina (non L.: preoccupied)
• Solanum macrocarpon Pav. ex Dunal in DC. (nomen nudum, preoccupied)
• Solanum nollanum Britton
• Solanum quitense Kunth
• Solanum quitoense f. septentrionale (R.E.Schult. & Cuatrec.) D'Arcy
• Solanum quitoense var. septentrionale R.E.Schult. & Cuatrec.

[edit] Footnotes

[edit] References

• Solanaceae Source (2005): Solanum quitoense. Version of December 2005. Retrieved 2008-SEP-25.

[edit] External links

• PLANTS National Database Reports and Topics SOQU
• GRIN/NPGS Taxonomy information Solanum quitoense Lam.
• Naranjilla in Fruits of Warm Climates by Morton, Julia F. 1987