Photo of Solanum mammosum foliage, form by Kenpei

Photo by Kenpei

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Solanum mammosum

Also Known As

  • Nipple Fruit

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 9b-11

More Options

Solanum mammosum plant details

Solanum mammosum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer purple and white flowers emerge followed by orange fruit. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Solanum mammosum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: solanaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 4 FT tall
Flowers: purple and white blooms in summer
Uses: cutting garden, poisonous fruit, rare, spiky, toxic, tropical-looking, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Solanum mammosum

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Rare, fun & fascinating! “Nipple Fruit,” native to Central America, grows to 4’ tall & bears lots of small to medium sized fruit, yellow or orange, each with 1-5, perky, little nipples! The flowers are typical of the tomato family & either violet or white. The attractive leaves are large, lobed & tropical looking & have neat-o thorns jutting out. A good comical conversation piece & the stems are tres trendy in cut flower arrangements! DON’T EAT THE FRUIT, though, as it’s poisonous. Rich soil & regular water is best. Perennial in mild Winter climates! Hardy to 25 degrees F.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Solanum mammosum plant

How to Grow Solanum mammosum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • purple
  • Fruit

    • orange
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

See other plant types of Solanum for your garden

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Plant Type

Shrub, Vine

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 8'-15'

Width: 6'-15'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
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aka Horse Nettle, Silver-leaf Nightshade

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-10a

Size

Height: 36"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
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Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 8'-30'

Width: 6'-20'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
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aka Wallace's Nightshade

Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

Height: 36"

Width: 36"

  • sun - mostly shade
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Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

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Size

Height: 1'-3'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Solanum pseudocapsicum 'Variegatum' fruit by Cistus Nursery
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