Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Species: S. muricatum
Binomial name: Solanum muricatum
Common name: Pepino, Pepino dulce, Sweet pepino, Pepino melon, Melon pear
Solanum muricatum is a species of evergreen shrub native to South America and grown for its sweet edible fruit. It is a close relative of other nightshades cultivated for their fruit, including the tomato (S. lycopersicum) and the eggplant (S. melongena). Solanum muricatum is relatively hardy plant. In its native range it grows at altitudes ranging from close to sea level up to 3,000 m.
The plant is grown primarily in Chile, New Zealand and Western Australia.
The fruit of Solanum muricatum
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The top surface of a leaf.
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The under surface of a leaf.
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