Solanum pseudocapsicum, or Jerusalem cherry, is an ornamental plant particularly prized for its small, colorful, spherical fruits that resemble miniature apples. Native to South America, this plant belongs to the Solanaceae family, like tomatoes and potatoes. Its dark green, slightly velvety leaves provide an elegant contrast to its red or orange fruits. Although highly decorative, the fruits are not edible, as they contain toxic alkaloids.
The Jerusalem cherry thrives in warm, bright environments, making it an ideal choice for enhancing tropical gardens such as the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden located in Ivato, near Antananarivo. In this enchanting setting, it adds a cheerful touch with its long fruiting period that lasts several months.
This plant is a compact shrub, typically measuring between 30 and 90 cm in height. Its life cycle is generally annual in cold climates, but it can live for several years in suitable environments. The flowering period usually extends from spring to summer, during which small star-shaped white flowers appear before giving way to its characteristic fruits. Due to its modest size, Solanum pseudocapsicum, or Jerusalem cherry, is well suited for borders as well as pots, adding a splash of color to terraces or balconies of tropical lodges and hotels.
Plant use
Solanum pseudocapsicum plays a primarily decorative role in gardens and green spaces. Its colorful fruits make it a perfect plant to bring a festive atmosphere to a botanical garden such as the one in Ivato. Its presence in spaces such as hotels or restaurants in Antananarivo enhances the ambiance thanks to its unique aesthetic. In tropical climates, like at Au Bois Vert, this plant is often used to structure flower beds or to embellish areas around restaurant terraces. It can be planted directly in the ground or placed in decorative pots, offering flexible design options that are especially appreciated in lodges and hotels. Its ability to bear fruit over a long period ensures a constant visual presence, ideal for settings where visitors seek serenity and beauty. When potted, the Jerusalem cherry is often used as an indoor plant in temperate climates. However, it requires bright exposure and moderate watering to avoid excess moisture. Although it is not edible, this plant can serve as an excellent educational subject in a botanical garden, raising awareness among visitors about ornamental varieties and their uses. In Antananarivo, this plant thus finds its place in an effort to promote both local and international biodiversity.
Key information
| Common name | Jerusalem Cherry |
| Scientific name | Solanum pseudocapsicum |
| Origin | South America |
| Natural habitat | Tropical and subtropical regions |
| Life cycle | Annual or perennial depending on the climate |
| Flowering period | Spring to summer |
