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Cyphomandra casana - A.Child.

Common Name Casana
Family Solanaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards The unripe fruit is slightly toxic.
Habitats Edges of rainforests in highland regions.
Range S. America - Ecuador.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Cyphomandra casana Casana


Cyphomandra casana Casana

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Cyphomandra casana is an evergreen Tree growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. cajanumensis.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy, the flavour is said to be like a blend of peach and tomato[196].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil[196]. Prefers a light fertile soil[196]. Dislikes drought[196]. Plants are very prone to wind damage[196]. Plants fruit best with cool temperatures in the growing season[196]. This species is probably not hardy in Britain, but like the related tree tomato it might be possible to grow it outdoors in the summer and bring it into a warmer place for the winter. Plants are probably insensitive to day-length[196]. Very fast growing, it starts to fruit within two years from seed and reaches peak production in 3 - 4 years[196]. Trees are, however, short-lived and start to degenerate after about 8 years[196]. This species could be a valuable source of gene material for qualities such as nematode resistance, root rot resistance, fragrance, flavour, colour and yield[196]. Plants have a shallow spreading root system and resent surface hoeing, they are best given a good mulch[196]. Plants usually ripe their fruit over a period of time, though pruning methods can be used to produce a peak time of fruiting[196]. The leaves have a pungent smell[196]. Plants are subject to attacks by red spider mites.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 4 weeks at 15°c[K], within 2 weeks at 25°c[164]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of greenwood in a frame[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Cyphomandra betaceaTree TomatoTree5.0 8-11 FLMHNM30 
Cyphomandra fragrans Tree2.0 8-11 FLMHNM30 
Cyphomandra hartwegiiHartweg's cyphomandra,CalylophusTree2.0 8-11 FLMHNM30 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

A.Child.

Botanical References

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Readers comment

david nicholls   Mon Dec 4 2006

"Cannot grow in shade" ? According to L Glowinski (The complete book of Friut Growing in Australia(my favorite source of reliable info aside from this site)) Casana grows in shady places in it's native Ecuador. I'm growing one where it gets a few hours sun a day, does not seem to be thriving but it's too soon to be sure. I grew one with about 3-5 hours sun years ago, it grew like a rocket but I had to leave the property before I could see if it fruited. I'm sure I've read elsewhere it likes shade, might be worth a try. -Wellington, New Zealand

Ken Fern, Plants for a Future.   Tue Dec 5 2006

Certainly, in warm sunny climates this plant will do well in light to moderate shade. However, when growing it in cooler regions, it is likely to need all the warmth it can get in order to have any chance of flowering and ripening its fruit.

david   Mon Dec 4 2006

"Cannot grow in shade" ? According to L Glowinski (The complete book of Friut Growing in Australia(my favorite source of reliable info aside from this site)) Casana grows in shady places in it's native Ecuador. I'm growing one where it gets a few hours sun a day, does not seem to be thriving but it's too soon to be sure. I grew one with about 3-5 hours sun years ago, it grew like a rocket but I had to leave the property before I could see if it fruited. I'm sure I've read elsewhere it likes shade, might be worth a try. David Nicholls Wellington New Zealand

John Sojka   Thu Jan 31 2008

I am desperately trying to get some Casana seeds. I live in Albany Western Australia - can anyone help me?

David Nicholls   Mon Mar 10 2008

Yes, in response to Kens comment about my comment above, in full sun the Casana is doing 100x better. Maybe the one that grew likw a rocket had more sun than I remembered.David, Wellington, New Zealand

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Subject : Cyphomandra casana  
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