Variety Information

EFN: This species is apparently native to Africa and Europe, but has naturalized in Australia and parts of North America (including Philadelphia). It's called Mnavu Mnavu in Tanzania. It is grown primarily for its edible golden-colored berries, which when fully ripe (which is the only safe time to eat them) have a sweet taste reminiscent of ground cherries. Also known as "hairy nightshade," the leaves are purportedly consumed as a nutritious food crop in parts of Africa, but individuals who have never eaten this plant should exercise great caution before attempting to eat the leaves (which may require boiling in a couple changes of water, like pokeweed, or some other treatment). Like the other nightshades, this plant contains alkaloids and other compounds that can cause adverse reactions in people.

Planting Notes