Japanese name: ソラナム ラントネッティ Scientific name:Lycianthes rantonnetii
[Overview]
A semi-evergreen shrub 1.5–2 m tall.
The branches have no thorns and are almost hairless.
The leaves are simple and alternate, ovate, about 10 cm long, with wavy margins.
Cymes from the leaf axils bear bluish purple to purple flowers about 2–3 cm across.
The corolla is shallowly 5-lobed, and the color becomes paler toward the edges.
The fruit is a berry that ripens red.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It can overwinter outdoors in warm regions without frost.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained site.
If the light is poor, it flowers poorly.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless summer brings a long sunny spell and the soil becomes dry.
If a base fertilizer is applied, no further fertilizer is particularly necessary, but for potted plants slow-release fertilizer may be placed on the soil in spring and autumn.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
[Notes]
It is sold under the reading of its former scientific name, Solanum rantonnetii.
