Lulo, Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense)

Description

Naranjilla, also known as Lulo, Naranjita, or Lulum in it’s native Central and South America, is a unique fruiting shrub. Naranjilla produces a small, round, orange fruit that has a flavor combo of pineapple, rhubarb and lime. It is sold in fresh produce markets in it’s native areas, where it is used to make a popular juice.

The thick woody stems and soft heart-shaped foliage of the Naranjilla are coated with bright purple hairs when the plant is young and long spines when it is mature.

Although Naranjilla is a subtropical perennial, it is able to survive a short frost. Naranjilla is also great for container gardener. Growing in a container allows you to move the plant indoors during the winter.