Fauna
Plant

Eggplant

Solanum melongena

Also known as Aubergine, Brinjal, Melongene, Guinea Squash

Eggplants are tender perennial plants cultivated globally for their glossy, sponge-like fruits that feature rich shades of purple, white, and green. Native to South and East Asia, these plants display broad, hairy leaves and star-shaped violet flowers on sturdy stems. They thrive in warm summer weather and play a central role in culinary traditions across Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

CultivatedNightshadeAgricultural
Eggplant reference1 / 7
(c) Eran Finkle, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Soil nutrients, Water
Predators
  • Flea beetles
  • Colorado potato beetle
  • Spider mites
ThreatsFrost, flea beetles, verticillium wilt, blossom end rot
HabitatsAgricultural fields, home gardens, tropical and warm temperate regions
Life spanTender perennial, typically grown as an annual
Classification
  1. OrderSolanales
  2. FamilySolanaceae
  3. GenusSolanum
  4. SpeciesSolanum melongena
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Leaves, stems, and green plant parts contain solanine, which is toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
Why it is dangerous
Leaves, stems, and unripened tissues contain solanine glycoalkaloids that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms if eaten raw.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by broad hairy leaves, purple star blossoms, and spiny green calyxes capping the glossy fruit.
What to do
Keep pets away from garden vegetation and harvest only fully matured fruits for safe consumption.
Responsible observation
  • Sunlight Requirements: Plant in full sun with well-draining, rich soil for optimal fruit development.
  • Support Stems: Stake heavy fruiting branches early to prevent tall stems from snapping under fruit weight.
  • Pest Prevention: Inspect young leaves frequently for tiny flea beetle damage in late spring.
Related species
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