Solanum muricatum

Also known as the melon pear, tree melon, or pepino melon, this evergreen shrub is a native to South America. In the same family as the tomato, pepper, and eggplant, it is a sun lover. A perrenial plant, sensitive to chilling, it is sold in farmers markets in Chile and Peru. The fruit is of variable shape and size, more or less rounded or oblong, and can be up to about 6 in (15cm) long. As it ripens, the pale green color becomes more yellow-cream, with purple stripes. With juicy and moderately sweet flesh, having the same texture as a melon, its flavor is quite similar to a cantaloupe. Propagation is via cuttings, as the seeds germinate poorly. Delicious in chutneys, it is great for pickling, and I am curious to add it to gazpacho. We have five plants, just now forming fruit. Apparently they do better in a greenhouse, growing to two meters and swarming with fruit. Ahh, next year!