Salpichroa origanifolia, rhizomatous plant with tiny and very beautiful flowers

Salpichroa origanifolia also known as Ovo de Galo, Grano de gallo, Tomatinbo blanco Camambú or Huevito de gallo . It belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to Brazil, Uruguay and, Central and North of Argentina.

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Salpichroa origanifolia characteristics

Herbaceous, rhizomatous plant, with ascending stems that can reach between 30 and 50 cm in height, creeping, highly branched.

The lower leaves are opposite. While the upper ones are petiolate, alternate, broadly ovate with the entire or sinuous edge.

The flowers are axillary, solitary, pendunculated, the corolla is gamopétala, white. It blooms in late spring and summer.

The fruit is an ovoid, white berry with an acidic flavor, which is used to make sweets, ice creams and juices.

The seed is reniform with a size of 1 to 2 mm.

Salpichroa origanifolia care

It is a fast growing plant  that adapts to climatic conditions. It is used as an ornamental plant for medium-height planters and in pots.

It needs to be in semi-shade. Withstands frost down to -3˚C

As for the soil, it can be cultivated in those that are sandy, clayey, with yellow or red earth and rich in dissolved organic matter.

If the plant begins to show wilted leaves, then it is a sign that the soil surface is very dry.

It multiplies by means of rooted branches that are removed from the mother plant, by underground stems, or by seeds. The latter should be planted in planters.

Data

• It contains poisonous alkaloids, so you should avoid ingesting any part of this species.
• It should be mentioned that its fruits are usually used for food products.
• There is a high percentage of this plant becoming invasive in California.

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Images courtesy of: Marcia Stefani , Huerta Orgázmika