Sunday, October 23, 2011

Monkeyface Plant

Solanum mammosum
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I was introduced to this strange looking plant as Monkeyface plant. It is a tropical plant native to South America. It can be grown as an annual here in zone 6 if started indoors.
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The poisonous fruit is solid and about 2 to 3 inches long. The nasty thorns are at least ¼ long. The stem here is about ½ inch thick. It is grown for its ornamental value. Here it is used in a floral arrangement.

(Arrangement by Mary Jane Risch Associate Master of Ichiyo Ikebana School)
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Solanum mammosum is also known as Nipple Fruit, Titi Fruit, Apple of Sodom, Cow’s Udder.  
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I think I like the Monkeyface name best.


More information from Electronic Flora of South Australia.

6 comments:

Violet said...

That's a strange one, isn't it?
I'd like to see the plant growing,
but not in my yard! I guess I
don't even care for it in arrangements.
Vi

Marie said...

It certainly is strange looking. Those thorns are killers. Not in my yard either!

Landbohaven said...

Gode billeder.
Fin og morsom lille plante.
Tak for kigget.

Marie said...

Landbohaven,
It is a funny little plant. Thanks for your comment.

donna said...

What??? You don't like the name Nipple Fruit? Some in the photo are green. They must start out green and then turn yellow.

Interesting post, as usual.

donna

Marie said...

Donna,
Tee Hee.
I think they do start out green. Really a weird plant!