Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Solanaceae (Nightshade)
Also in this family:
Apple-of-Peru, Bittersweet, Black Nightshade, Cape Gooseberry, Chinese Teaplant, Deadly Nightshade, Duke of Argyll's Teaplant, Green Nightshade, Henbane, Japanese Lantern, Potato, Sweet Tobacco, Tall Nightshade, Thorn-apple, Tomato
Maximum Size:
1 metre tall
Habitats:
Farmland, gardens, grassland, rocky places, walls, wasteland, wetland, woodland.
Cock's Eggs (Salpichroa origanifolia) produces bell-shaped, drooping flowers that are usually white or pale cream with a hint of green. Each flower is around 1–1.5 cm long and has five shallow lobes. The flowers grow singly or in small clusters from the leaf axils and bloom from late spring through autumn. As a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), the flower structure is similar to other relatives like potato or belladonna but more delicate and slender in form.
Fruit:
The fruit is the plant’s most distinctive feature: small, egg-shaped, white or pale yellow berries resembling miniature bird’s eggs—hence the common name “Cock's Eggs.” Each berry is about 1–2 cm long, fleshy, and contains numerous small seeds. These berries are produced abundantly in warm climates and can persist on the plant into winter if frost-free conditions allow.
Leaves:
Leaves are soft, ovate to heart-shaped, and typically 2–4 cm long, with a dull green colour and slightly hairy surface. They are arranged alternately on long, creeping or scrambling stems. The plant’s growth habit is trailing or climbing, with stems capable of rooting at the nodes, making it an aggressive ground cover in warmer areas.
Fragrance:
The flowers of Cock’s Eggs are faintly scented but not notably fragrant. Their appeal lies more in appearance than aroma, and they are unlikely to attract pollinators by scent alone. The plant spreads mainly through vegetative growth and seed dispersal rather than relying heavily on insect pollination.
Other Names:
Lily of the Valley Vine, Oxtongue Potato, Pampas Lily of the Valley, Peruvian Potato Vine.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen
Summary
Salpichroa origanifolia, also known as oxtongue potato or Peruvian potato vine, is a species of flowering plant in the family Solanaceae. It is native to South America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including fields, forests, and wetlands. Oxtongue potato is an annual or perennial vine that grows to a length of several meters. It has hairy stems and leaves, and it produces small, white or purple flowers that are followed by small, edible berries. The plant is grown for its edible tubers, which are similar in size and shape to potatoes. It is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Blog
Cock's Eggs, also known as Salpichroa origanifolia, is a plant species that is native to South America. This plant is a member of the Solanaceae family and is related to other well-known plants such as tomatoes and potatoes. Cock's Eggs gets its name from its unique, egg-shaped fruit that grows on the plant.
The plant grows to a height of around 1 meter and produces delicate, fragrant white or yellow flowers. The fruit of the plant is green when unripe, but turns yellow when it is ready to be harvested. The fruit is typically between 5-10 cm in length and has a slightly bitter taste.
Cock's Eggs is widely cultivated in South America, and has been used in traditional medicine for generations. The plant has been used to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin conditions. The fruit and leaves of the plant are believed to contain a range of beneficial compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and solanine.
In recent years, Cock's Eggs has gained popularity as a culinary ingredient in South American cuisine. The fruit is often used in stews and soups, as well as in sauces and marinades. The plant is also used to make a traditional South American liquor known as "chicha."
Cock's Eggs is a hardy plant that is easy to grow, making it a popular choice for home gardens. The plant can be propagated from seed, and will produce fruit within its first year of growth. However, it is important to note that the plant is toxic to some animals, so care should be taken if growing it near livestock or pets.
Cock's Eggs is a versatile plant with a long history of use in South American culture. With its delicate fragrance and unique egg-shaped fruit, this plant is sure to add interest to any garden.
Cock's Eggs is also known for its ornamental value and is often used as a decorative plant in South American gardens. The plant produces delicate, fragrant flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any pollinator garden. The egg-shaped fruit of the plant also adds a unique and interesting element to the garden, making it a great conversation starter.
In addition to its ornamental and culinary uses, Cock's Eggs is also being studied for its potential health benefits. Researchers have found that the plant contains a range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. However, more research is needed in this area to fully understand the health benefits of Cock's Eggs.
When growing Cock's Eggs, it is important to provide the plant with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. The plant is drought-tolerant, but will perform better if it is watered regularly. The plant is also not too picky about soil type, but it does prefer a soil that is rich in organic matter.
It's worth mentioning that Cock's Eggs should be used with caution as it is toxic to humans and animals in large amounts. The plant contains solanine, which is a toxic alkaloid that can cause nausea, vomiting, and even death if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, it's important to be careful when harvesting and consuming Cock's Eggs, and to follow all safety precautions.
When harvesting Cock's Eggs, it's best to wait until the fruit has fully ripened and turned yellow. The yellow fruit is less bitter and less toxic than the green fruit. It's also important to properly prepare Cock's Eggs before consuming it, as this can help to reduce its bitterness and toxicity.
In traditional South American medicine, Cock's Eggs is used in small amounts to treat a range of ailments, and is believed to be most effective when combined with other plants. It is not recommended to use Cock's Eggs as a sole treatment for any condition, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
In conclusion, Cock's Eggs is a versatile and fascinating plant with a long history of use in South American culture. Whether you are interested in its ornamental value, culinary uses, or potential health benefits, this plant is sure to add interest and value to your garden. Just be sure to use it with caution and follow all safety precautions.
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