Solanum Mammosum

A truly amazing-looking plant producing positively inedible, ornamental fruits which resemble a cow's udder at one end and human breast at the other, and with lots of rather rude common names too! Although it is perennial it can be grown as an annual, and is related to the naranjilla and tomato with large velvety leaves with purple veins and furry hair, along with prominent spikes. The branches and stems are also dotted with firm thorns. The pink-purple flowers develop during spring and are followed by the waxy, yellow colored fruit ripening a few months later. It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of athlete's foot by hunters in Trinidad and also for irritability and restlessness. It is imported to Taiwan and Hong Kong as decorative foliage for use in religious and festival floral arrangements. They are also commonly used in building Chinese New Year trees due to their auspicious golden coloured fruit.