Solanum scabrum aka Garden Huckleberry

Solanum scabrum, or garden huckleberry, belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. RHS lists it as non-native to Britain and Ireland. The supplied sources do not give a clear native range. PFAF describes it as a crop derived from Solanum nigrum. It also says the plant is unknown in the wild. Farmers grow it for food in parts of West Africa. Sources also list the name Solanum melanocerasum.

This upright plant spreads widely and has no spines. It grows as an annual or a short-lived perennial. Reported sizes range from about 2–3.3 feet [0.6–1 metre] tall. Useful Tropical Plants gives an occasional height of 4.9 feet [1.5 metres]. PFAF gives a spread of about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Flowers have both male and female parts. Insects pollinate them, and the plant can also pollinate itself. PFAF records flowers from July to September. Seeds ripen from August to October. The fruit can reach about half an inch across.

Grow this crop in sun, with moist soil that drains well. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils. It also tolerates mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline ground. PFAF lists USDA zones 5–9. Gardeners can sow seeds outdoors in spring. Starting seeds under glass may give a larger fruit crop. Move young plants into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outdoors in late spring. Caterpillars and slugs can cause severe damage or destroy plants.

Its main garden use is as a food crop in beds. People cook ripe fruit for jam, preserves and pies. Young leaves and shoots serve as greens or soup ingredients. Leaves form an established vegetable crop in parts of Africa. However, reports differ on the safety of both leaves and fruit. Toxin levels may vary with the growing site and selected form. Unripe fruit holds the greatest toxin load and should not be eaten.

Useful Tropical Plants warns that cooking does not neutralise solanine or solanidine. These compounds can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, with more serious effects possible. Food use therefore does not mean every plant part is safe. Sources also report local medicinal uses for the plant. PFAF records treatments for wounds and skin complaints, but urges caution. These reported uses do not remove the stated poisoning risks.