Solanum Trilobatum or purple fruited pea eggplant is a plant that is perfect for outdoor and indoor environments and is very simple to cultivate and maintain.
Solanum trilobatum, also called “Tuduvalai” in Tamil, is an Indian plant species that resemble plants that grow in the wild. It is a common species in India and a member of the Solanaceae family. Additionally, it can be consumed by grinding it after being mildly cooked in ghee or oil.
Your home garden will be eye-catching with Solanum Trilobatum. However, because Solanum Trilobatum is too adaptable to any decor, planting it outside is a great idea. People cultivate this plant in their farms, gardens, and homes for frequent use as a natural cure for coughs, colds, and other ailments and as various recipes for daily food intake. Let’s explore Solanum trilobatum advantages, unique characteristics, and how to cultivate it in your backyard, among other topics.
Solanum Trilobatum: Key facts
| Name Of Species | Solanum Trilobatum |
| Category | Houseplants |
| Family Name | Solanaceae |
| Common Name | Alarka, Alarkapatramu, Tuduvalai, Tutuvalam, Thoothuvalai. |
| Division of the plant | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Native Distribution | Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Thailand, and India. |
| Preferred Climate | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Secondary Rainforest, Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland) |
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Seeds |
| Landscape Uses | Indoor and Outdoor Plant |
| Lowest Temperature | 50° to 80°F (10° to 27°C) |
know about: cicer arietinum
What are Solanum Trilobatum plants?
Solanum trilobatum is an herbal plant belonging to the Solanum genus of flowering plants from the family Solanaceae. The genus comprises three popular food crops, which are the potato, the tomato and the eggplant or brinjal. Solanum Trilobatum herb can be consumed by mild cooking.
Solanum Trilobatum: Description
Solanum Trilobatum is a thorny, multi-branched, straggling shrub or climber plant with slightly rigid stems at the bottom. The plant is a reasonably common medicinal herb, particularly in India, where it is frequently gathered from the wild for domestic use. It is also marketed as a green vegetable in local markets and consumed as food.
It is a herbaceous plant that can reach heights of two to three meters. This flowering plant provides lovely purple-violet flowers. The leaves are triangular with uneven lobed edges. Fruits are globular, small, and filled with a large number of tiny seeds. When ripe, they change from their initial light shade of green to red.
How tall is Solanum Trilobatum?
The plant can grow up to a maximum height of two to three metres.
Solanum Trilobatum: Medicinal uses
Due to their widespread traditional use, these plants significantly impact the health of millions of people in many Indian villages. Many diseases are said to be cured by Solanum Trilobatum. You can plant Solanum Trilobatum in your garden as it offers several benefits. The leaves, petioles, and fruit of Solanum Trilobatum are utilised for many reasons in south India, which is economically significant. In some areas of India, it is also consumed to cure gastric complaints.
For respiratory problems
Solanum trilobatum is frequently used to treat respiratory issues such as chest congestion, sinusitis, bronchial asthma, and tuberculosis. It provides asthma patients with a new lease on life.
For strength, endurance, focus
Thoothuvalai is regarded in Ayurveda as a natural steroid that can enhance one’s physical prowess, mental sharpness, and stamina. Additionally, it is proven to enhance hearing and memory.
For liver
Thoothuvalai is a medication used in the Siddha method of medicine to treat illnesses of the liver. Additionally, studies have shown that Thoothuvalai may have hepatoprotective properties.
For blood circulation
The purple fruited pea eggplant is known for its medicinal properties and helps improve production of blood and blood circulation in the body.
Uses in Ayurveda
The herb has been used as an Ayurvedic medicine as cure for sinus, lung diseases, and in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Some of the best Solanum Trilobatum recipes
Dosa
You can make Thoothuvalai Dosai with just a handful of Solanum Trilobatum leaves and soaked rice with other spices. This dosa tastes unique and is very healthy.
Rasam
By including these leaves with the standard rasam ingredients, you can avoid indigestion and escape from repetitive rasam dishes.
Thuvaiyal
It is a sort of thick paste consisting of fried thoothuvalai leaves, coconut, tamarind, and peppers. It could be served with rice.
Solanum Trilobatum: Properties
The presence of triterpenoids, sugars, amino acids, saponins, phenolic compounds, and anthraquinone in the liquid extract of the Solanum Trilobatum plant has been confirmed through studies. These chemicals have several highly intriguing qualities that could be important for the ambience in your house, such as
Antioxidant properties
It has excellent antioxidant properties. Consuming foods high in antioxidants will stop the early ageing of the skin and hair.
Anti-inflammatory properties
If you are experiencing any form of inflammation, consider adding Solanum Trilobatum soup or rasam to your diet for a few days. Its leaf extract has great anti-inflammatory qualities. It will significantly help to reduce inflammation.
Antibacterial properties
Almost every component of Solanum Trilobatum possesses antibacterial effects, including the leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Anti-diabetic properties
Solanum Trilobatum possesses excellent anticancer properties. In addition to preventing cancer, the Sobatum chemical present in Thoothuvalai also slows the spread of cancer cells that have already developed.
Anti-diabetic properties
Additionally, Thoothuvalai possesses excellent anti-diabetic capabilities. Thoothuvalai has a protective impact on our kidneys in addition to lowering blood sugar levels.
Solanum Trilobatum: Planting and propagation
You can set up trays with seeds at the nursery. Prick the seedlings out into separate pots when they are big enough to handle and watch them grow swiftly. Plant them when they are 10 cm or taller.
Additionally, you can plant half-ripe wood cuttings in the ground. It takes only a few days for the cuttings to take root, and it is quite easy. After a few weeks, you can take the cutting and re-pot it in the backyard.
How to maintain Solanum Trilobatum?
Sunlight
The plant grows well in bright and full sunlight. You can keep it direct sunlight but avoid excess of direct sunlight. The ideal location for the plant can be a sunny windowsill.
Water
The plant needs regular watering especially in its growing season. Make sure to keep the soil moist. Do not allow the plant to sit in water. The topsoil must dry out before you start watering it again.
Soil
The plant requires a well-drained soil. You can choose a suitable potting mix.
Fertiliser
Apply fertilizer once in two weeks in the growing season, from spring through summer. Choose a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted by half. Applying vermicompost once in month boosts soil fertility. Avoid fertiliser during winter months.
Pests and diseases
The plant does not have major pest or disease problems. However, the purple fruited pea eggplant variety is prone to infestation by common pests and insects such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies.
Pruning
Cut back the growing tips of the plant, which will enable new growth. Pruning is required for removing old diseased matured plant parts.
Repotting
Repotting may be required if you notice root growth over the drainage holes of the flowerpot. Transfer the plants to large sized containers when repotting.
Solanum Trilobatum: Side effects
Similar to the other edible plant, the majority of species in this genus also contain poisonous alkaloids. While these alkaloids can help cure a variety of medical disorders, they can also produce nausea, vomiting, salivation, sleepiness, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weakness, and respiratory depression. It is not advisable to consume any part of this plant without any prior knowledge of its side effects.
Is Solanum Trilobatum toxic?
The plant is full of thorns, including its leaves, which may be slightly toxic. Thus, the thorns must be removed before cooking.
Bottom line
Solanum Trilobatum is a representation of the historical and cultural aspects of the life of many locals. Solanum Trilobatum powder can be collected and sold as a home cure, providing an additional source of income for a family. Furthermore, no part of it is thrown away.
The plant Solanum Trilobatum is perfect for growing in your backyard or garden. It also offers a variety of health advantages. It can also be used in cooking. You may make your garden more attractive by getting Solanum Trilobatum seeds or plant from the nursery.
FAQs
How fast does a Solanum Trilobatum grow?
The growth rate of Solanum Trilobatum is quite good. Usually, it can grow more than 10cm in just a few weeks.
How to make Solanum Trilobatum powder?
Gather a few Solanum Trilobatum leaves and wash them to remove dirt before grinding them into a powder. To absorb all the moisture, spread the leaves out on a kitchen towel. Spread on a dish and allow the sun to dry until crisp once there is no more wetness. Powder in a dry mixer while still crisp from sun drying, sift, and keep in an airtight container.
How much should anyone consume Solanum Trilobatum powder?
Half a teaspoon of this powder combined with honey or hot water is the usual recommended dosage. Never consume too much of it when pregnant.
What is the most suitable habitat for Solanum Trilobatum ?
It grows best in tidal wetlands, waste ground, and shaded areas.
What is the blooming range of this plant?
It can give flowers throughout the year.
