hello, i live in berkeley, california (sf bay area) and have run across this striking bush. it is about 3 feet high/around. it has pointed glossy yellow green leaves, that have a citrus leaf appearance. it is covered with smooth red orange fruit about the size of a nickel or quarter in diameter. the fruit is somewhat juicy and full of smallish seeds; it has no real taste and is apparently not poisonous or i would not be typing this. can anyone id this for me? thx teddy
It looks like Solanum pseudocapsicum, Jerusalem Cherry or Solanum capsicastrum, Winter Cherry but the fruit of these plants is poisonous.
This is a Jerusalem Cherry... Here is some good info I have written about this plant.. The Jerusalem Cherry has a few different names, (i.e. Winter Cherry, Christmas Cherry, Madeira Cherry, Cleveland Cherry, and Coral Bush. In French its called, Cerisier de Jerusalem, which means Cherry Tree of Jerusalem. I have seen these names listed for this plant, in old houseplant books and on the internet. There are two different types (species) of the Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum Pseudocapsicum) and (Solanum Capsicastrum). Very often, they are confused for each other because they basically look the same, especially in cultivation with the many varieties available today. Most flower shops etc, do not label the particular species/variety when you purchase it. The Pseudo-capsicum is normally a larger plant, while the capsicastrum is more compact. But I have seen dwarf varieties of the Pseudo-capsicum. Also there is a Variegated Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum Capsicastrum Variegatum). This Striking plant was often used to brighten up your home during the holiday season. This plant is a perennial shrub from South America (Madeira). The Jerusalem Cherry comes decorated with large, bright orange/red balls that resemble shiny Christmas ornaments. The fruits are mildly poisonous & should be kept out of reach from small children. In the United States as of 2004, I hardly see Jerusalem Cherry plants. I suspect that growers and florists probably fear the litigation that would result if someone decided to eat the fruit. But then again, most house plants are poisonous if eaten. When the Jerusalem Cherry is full of fruit, it really stands out. I get many complements on mine when in fruit. Many people assume that the Jerusalem Cherry, is a Cherry Tomato bush as the fruits look similar. Normally, the Jerusalem Cherry fruits are more orange in color than a tomato plants red fruits. Plus a Jerusalem Cherry is a bush/shrub, as cherry tomatoes are more of a vine plant. A very ornamental type of Jerusalem Cherry is called Cherry Jubilee. This plant has deep green leaves & becomes densely covered with fruit. This variety of Jerusalem Cherry is truly decorative. Last I checked, a company called stokeseeds.com is the only place I have ever seen these type of seeds sold at. The Jerusalem Cherry has been grown for many many years. I read a book that had diary entries from the 1800s. The book mentions that someone acquired several Jerusalem Cherry seeds & was told they were very beautiful. The entree was from April 21st, 1808. With that being said, the Jerusalem Cherry has been a favorite for a long time. Lastly, after the Jerusalem Cherry plants fruits have fallen, let this plant rest near a bright window for the winter months. Once spring arrives, cut plant back (approx half way). Place outdoors & you will have a healthy bushy plant with new cherries by midsummer to late summer. The Jerusalem Cherry can be kept year after year if treated in this manner.
Madeira is in the mid-Atlantic, west of Portugal :-) Solanum pseudocapsicum is hardier than is often supposed, I had one outdoors here (55°N latitude) for about 10 years, a couple of winters it got cut back a little bit by temperatures down to -8°C, possibly -10°C, but never killed; most winters it was undamaged. The fruit didn't ripen properly though (lack of summer heat) so it didn't look too good (got rid of it in the end for that reason)
Thanks for the update on Madeira... I have to take that out, totally different part of the world...LOL... :)
