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Solanum muricatum
The Pepino is a small fruiting shrub and a member of the solanaceae family (Tomatoes, eggplants and potatoes). It is a tough perennial bush which will produce fruit for a period of months during the warmer time of the year. The fruit, which is shaped like a giant egg, has a flavour similar to a rockmelon or honeydew melon. As the fruit matures it will turn from a pale green to a bright yellow as well as developing distinctive purple striping.
The plant itself will grow best in a well drained soil with a PH of 6.5 – 7.5. It is an aggressive grower which will send out roots wherever it touches the ground, so be careful where you plant it in order to contain the spreading. Pepino plants can also be trained well to grow up a trellis. This can help to stop the spreading of the plant across the garden. It responds well to a prune during the warmer months and an application of slow release fertilizer in spring.