Solanum villosum var. aureum

'GOLDEN PEARLS (GOLDEN WONDERBERRY)'

Solanaceae: a hardy annual herb to 70cm. found on the edges of Fagus/Abies forests, fields, roadsides and waste places. Clusters of 3–8–flowers in the inflorescence, the corolla is white. Flowers are followed by orange globular berries, to 9mm in diam. The leaves are hairy, the leaf blade is ovate, and shallowly lobed to 4.5cm long. Native to Europe, Northern Africa, North America, and is also naturalized in Australia.

USES:

This cultivated form, under the name of ‘GOLDEN PEARLS’ produces clusters of sweet, yellow or edible orange berries. The unripe fruit, like green potatoes, contain the high concentration of toxins.

Said to have been used for centuries in Africa, where the leaves, which are reputedly used like spinach, they are sold at high prices in markets, the leaves are also said to be smoked. Medically the whole plant has antiperiodic, antiphlogistic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, febrifuge, narcotic, purgative and sedative properties. The plant is harvested in the autumn when both flowers and fruit are upon the plant, and is dried for later use.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in spring in situ, the seeds can also be sown in a greenhouse during the spring if required. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out in late spring, very easy, and will self-seed if happy.

HARVESTED: 2023*

APPROX. 50 SEEDS