Eggplant Solanum melongena 'Scorpio'

Names

• Family

  Solanaceae

• Synonyms

  Eggplant, Aubergine, Brinjal, Guinea Squash, Garden Egg

• Common names

  Solanum melongena 'Scorpio'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Solanum melongena 'Scorpio' is a cultivar of eggplant, which is generally considered non-toxic to humans when ripe and cooked properly. However, eggplant belongs to the nightshade family and contains solanine, a toxic compound that can cause gastrointestinal and neurological disorders if ingested in large quantities, especially when the plant is unripe or raw. Symptoms of solanine poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, even hallucinations and paralysis. Cooking eggplant thoroughly typically reduces the solanine levels, making it safe for consumption.

• To pets

  Solanum melongena 'Scorpio', commonly known as eggplant, is generally not toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats, when ripe and cooked. However, the leaves and stems of the plant, as well as unripe fruit, do contain solanine and other potentially toxic alkaloids, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested. Symptoms of solanine poisoning in pets might include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, weakness, and in severe cases, central nervous system effects like tremors or seizures. To avoid any risk, it is best to keep pets away from the plant itself and only offer them cooked eggplant in small, infrequent amounts, if at all, and after consulting with a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Nutrient-Rich Food: Eggplant 'Scorpio' is a good source of dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals essential for a healthy diet.
• Low in Calories: Eggplants have a low caloric content, making them an ideal food for weight management and calorie-controlled diets.
• Home Gardening: Cultivating Eggplant 'Scorpio' in a home garden can offer a sense of self-sufficiency and contribute to sustainable living.
• Vegetarian Option: Eggplants serve as a nutritious, meat-free option in many culinary dishes.
• Culinary Versatility: Eggplants can be cooked in various ways including grilling, baking, roasting, or frying, making them an adaptable ingredient in the kitchen.
• Drought Tolerant: Eggplant 'Scorpio' can tolerate dry conditions once established, making it suitable for regions with water scarcity.
• Decorative Plants: With their attractive purple flowers and glossy fruits, eggplants can also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a garden or landscape.
• Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the eggplant can attract bees and beneficial insects, which are important for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Medical Properties

• Antioxidant: Eggplant contains phytonutrients with potential antioxidant activity.
• Cardiovascular health: Some studies have suggested that compounds in eggplant may have a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels and arterial health.
• Anti-inflammatory: Eggplant contains compounds that may reduce inflammation.
• Glycemic control: Eggplant is low in carbohydrates and may help in managing blood sugar levels.
• Fiber content: The high fiber content in eggplant can aid digestion and contribute to gastrointestinal health.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Biodegradable Plastics: The skins and pulp of the eggplant can be processed to create a biodegradable plastic that can be used in various products as a more sustainable option.
• Printing Inks: Due to their deep purple color, eggplants can be used to extract natural dyes that are then utilized in the production of eco-friendly printing inks.
• Natural Pesticide: The leaves of the eggplant can be boiled and the extract can act as a natural pesticide to protect other plants from pests.
• Water Purification: The seeds of the eggplant have been shown to have the ability to absorb heavy metals, potentially being used in water purification processes.
• Art Supplies: Eggplant color can be used to create natural paints and pigments for art projects, providing a non-toxic alternative to synthetic colors.
• Decorative Arrangements: Dried slices of eggplant can be used to create decorative pieces or be included in floral arrangements due to their unique texture and shape.
• Eco-friendly Scrubber: The luffa-like texture of the mature fruit can be used as a natural kitchen scrubber when dried.
• Photographic Films: The anthocyanins present in the eggplant's skin could potentially be utilized in the development of photographic films sensitive to certain light wavelengths.
• Acoustic Absorber: The inner fibrous material of eggplant could be explored as a natural acoustic absorber in the construction of soundproof rooms.
• Packing Material: Shredded eggplant stalks and skins can be made into biodegradable packing materials to cushion products during shipping.

Feng Shui

The eggplant is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The eggplant is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Prosperity: The eggplant, most commonly known as 'Scorpio', is often associated with abundance and prosperity due to its prolific nature and the large number of fruits it can produce.
• Fertility: Given its seed-rich fruit, the eggplant symbolizes fertility and the potential for new growth.
• Longevity: In some cultures, the eggplant is a symbol of a long, healthy life, partly because of its hardy nature and the nutrients it provides.
• Protection: Some believe the eggplant can ward off negative energies because of its dark, glossy exterior, which is associated with the ability to absorb negativity.