Solanum quitoense Lam.
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Authority
Popenoe, Wilson. 1924. Economic fruit-bearing plants of Ecuador. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 24: i-ix, 101-134. pl. 34-49.
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Family
Solanaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Description - The naranjilla is a soft-wooded, sparsely branched plant, stiffly erect and reaching about 1.5 meters in height. The stout stems, as well as the leaves, flower buds, and fruits are covered with soft, simple or stellate hairs: on the young leaves and the flower buds these are light purple, while on the older parts they are almost white. The leaves, which are borne upon stout terete petioles up to 15 cm. in length, are oblong-ovate, 30 to 45 cm. in length, clasping at the base and acute or shortly acuminate at the apex, with the margins sinuate; they are deep green above and light green (with a purplish tinge) beneath, soft, with the midrib and primary lateral nerves conspicuous on both surfaces, but most prominently so beneath. The flowers are borne in short axillary cymes; they are white, star-shaped, about 4 cm. broad, with five large yellow stamens in the center. The fruits, which are produced upon very short stalks, are round or round-ovate, about 5 cm. in diameter, and bright orange-colored when fully ripe. The coarse hairs with which the surface is covered are easily brushed off; it is the custom to remove them in this manner before the fruits are taken to market. The skin is thick and leathery; it incloses translucent, greenish or yellowish pulp in which are embedded numerous seeds similar to those of the tomato.
Uses - The pulp is extremely juicy, and of a refreshing subacid flavor which renders it suitable for preparing drinks and water ices.
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Common Names
naranjilla