Solanum muricatum aka Pepino

Solanum muricatum has three common names: pepino, melon pear, and melon shrub. It is part of Solanaceae, the nightshade family. Sources place its origin in Chile and Peru. No one knows of a truly wild habitat for it. People grew it in South America before Europeans arrived. Growers now raise it in other tropical and subtropical regions. They grow it chiefly for its sweet fruit, which people can eat.

This shrub has a short life and stays green year-round. It grows in a bushy shape but may sprawl. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall and wide. RHS gives two to five years to reach full size. The plant keeps its leaves through the year. RHS lists flowers in white and purple. Chicago Botanic Garden lists blooms in yellow and purple. It gives a bloom time of May to August. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. This means it can set fruit with its own pollen.

The fruit is egg-shaped, with smooth, pale yellow skin. Purple stripes mark the skin. Fruit can reach about 0.33 feet [0.1 metre] long. The flesh is sweet and juicy, with a melon-like taste. People eat the fruit raw. It provides vitamin C. PFAF says to pick fruit just before it becomes fully ripe. It can then keep for several weeks at room temperature. The supplied sources do not show whether this species is toxic. Their wider warnings cover related plants. Those warnings do not prove this plant is safe either.

Grow pepino in full sun, in a spot with shelter. RHS recommends neutral loam that holds moisture but drains well. Give it plenty of water. Use a high-potassium feed to help it bear fruit. Useful Tropical Plants reports success in most soils that drain well. Its preferred daytime range is 15–25°C. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 9–11. RHS gives it H2: it cannot withstand freezing. Another source reports that dormant plants survive about −3°C. That source also reports severe harm to young growth at 0°C.

Pepino suits food beds, borders, or use as a single specimen. Its spreading stems can cover the ground or grow along supports. RHS also lists greenhouse and conservatory use. It notes that growers can raise plants from seed. Aphids, mealybugs, whitefly, and red spider mites may attack it. Tomato leaf mould and tomato viruses may cause disease. Honey fungus can occur, though RHS calls it rare. PFAF lists no known uses as medicine or beyond food.