My Creative Workbook

Christine de Beer - effortless floral craftsman

Solanum Integrifolium

The pumpkin tree plant is a member of the solanum family, just like potatoes and eggplants and is grown as a decorative stem for the cut flower industry and as vegetable used in Asian dishes. The fruit looks like shiny miniature pumpkins and it has a bitter, peppery taste.

Detail of my Leaves by Hundreds came design

Common name

Pumpkin tree plant, pumpkin-on-a-stick or pumpkin bush, Japanese golden egg, Chinese scarlet eggplant, Hmong eggplant or tomato eggplant.

Origin

Asia

Varieties

Colors

Green, and ripens to yellow then orange and finally orangey red

Vase life

Two weeks to a month depending on the size and conditions. Dries very well

Scent

Peppery

Uses

The stems are used in autumn bouquets with the fruits intact on the branches, or just the fruit. The dried fruit can also be used in garlands or in autumn potpourri.

Conditioning

Condition as you would any woody stem. Whittle the stem to remove some of the bark to ensure proper hydration. Hang upside down in a well-ventilated area to dry.

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