Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae)
Hardy to Zones 8 to 12, otherwise grown as a 110 day annual
Perennial, grown as an annual in the temperate north. Attains a height of 3 to 4 feet–taller than the Vedic types. The roots are redder in color than the Vedic types. We note that the roots have a more warming and stimulating activity than the Vedic types. Native to Africa, this is an ecotype with large leaves and very fast growth. Traditional usage (Dawa za Asili): energy and sexual tonic. Plant prefers full sun, fast-draining, alkaline (pH 7.5 to 8.0) soil and dryish conditions. Sweeten regular garden soil with ground limestone. Light dependent germinator. Sow in early spring indoors or in the greenhouse. Average germ time 15 days. Space 1 foot apart. Produces eventually the lantern-like pods enclosing the pea-sized fruits, green at first and becoming bright red as the inflated calyx dries and becomes transparent.