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Plant Informational Database

Pseudolulo

Solanum pseudolulo

a.k.a. Lulo de Perro

A fairly uncommon relative of the naranjilla bearing fruit quite similar in appearance. Fruits are round, ripen to orange, and like the narajilla, are covered in small hairs which fall off upon ripening. The fruits have a sweet flavor but are said to be variable in quality, with some matching the naranjilla in flavor, but others being somewhat inferior.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Pseudolulo. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in October 2019.

Description

A small perennial shrub with large leaves and an exotic appearance. The leaves and stems are covered in short hairs, giving the plant a furry look. Most specimens also show small spines on portions of the leaves and stems, though a few plants seem to remain relatively spine-free. Flowers are white, self-compatible, and when pollinated are followed by yellow-orange ripening fruits.

Hardiness

Unknown, though probably not frost hardy.

Growing Environment

Unlike the naranjilla, the pseudolulo prefers and grows quite well in full sun.

Propagation

By seeds.

Uses

The fruits are edible when ripe and while different plants show variability in fruit flavor, the fruits can be quite tasty. In some local markets the fruits are sold interchangeably with naranjilla fruits. This species is generally not cultivated but fruits are harvested from feral populations.

Native Range

Found wild mainly in the Colombian Andes up to 6000 feet, but it has naturalized as a door yard tree in some neighboring countries, including Ecuador. In its native range it is a somewhat weedy species, typically found along roadsides, and in open and disturbed areas.

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