Biological Characteristics: The golden fruit, also known as five-finger eggplant or milky eggplant, is native to tropical America. It thrives in warm, humid, and sunny conditions, and is sensitive to cold, waterlogging, and drought. It prefers fertile, loose, and well-drained sandy loam soil. Winter temperatures should not drop below 12°C to ensure healthy growth.
Cultivar Description: Five-fingered eggplant is a small shrub that typically grows up to 2 meters tall. It has dense white hair on the stems and scattered thorns. The leaves are alternate, broadly ovate, and have shallowly serrated edges. The flowers are purple, and the fruits are oval-shaped. When young, the fruits are light green, turning orange when mature. Their surface is irregularly milky, giving them a unique and charming appearance.
Propagation Methods: Common methods include seed sowing and cuttings. For sowing, seeds are planted in spring with an optimal germination temperature of 20-25°C, and germination usually occurs within 7-10 days. For cuttings, take top shoots in summer, about 12-15 cm long, and place them in a sand bed. Roots typically develop within 15-20 days, and the cuttings can be transplanted to the field or pots after about 30 days.
Cultivation Tips: Planting should be done in well-draining, fertile sandy loam soil. Poor drainage can lead to root rot. This plant is highly dependent on nutrients, so it's recommended to fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Apply 2-3 doses of phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer during the budding and fruiting stages. High temperatures and dry weather can hinder pollination, so regular watering and shading are essential. In autumn, cut branches about 50-60 cm long for use in floral arrangements, remove the leaves, and keep them fresh in water.
Pest Management: Common issues include leaf spot disease and anthracnose. These can be treated with a 1000-fold dilution of a 10% antibacterial agent (401 acetic acid solution). Insect pests such as aphids and whiteflies can be controlled using a 2.5% fish oil emulsion.
Post-Harvest Uses: The five-finger eggplant stands out for its distinctive fruit shape and vibrant color, making it a valuable ornamental plant. It is widely used in floral arrangements and potted plants. For example, when paired with eggplant flowers and red chrysanthemums, along with ferns and rushes, it creates a natural and hopeful visual. When combined with paphiopedilum orchids, red wood sticks, and cycads, it adds a sense of elegance and dignity, embodying the essence of traditional oriental art.
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