Cocona (Orinoco apple) Solanum sessiliflorum
Cocona (Orinoco apple) (Solanum sessiliflorum) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Upper Amazon (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Cocona (Orinoco apple) in your garden →
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Cocona (Orinoco apple) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 21–30 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | Upper Amazon (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Cocona (Orinoco apple) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
The ripe fruit is eaten; as with other Solanum species, leaves and unripe fruit are not.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cocona (Orinoco apple)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Late blight: Late blight spreads by wind-borne spores between potatoes, tomatoes and their relatives. Evidence B
Questions about Cocona (Orinoco apple)
- How far apart should I plant Cocona (Orinoco apple)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Cocona (Orinoco apple) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cocona (Orinoco apple) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cocona (Orinoco apple)?
- It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Cocona (Orinoco apple) flower?
- About 21–30 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Cocona (Orinoco apple) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. The ripe fruit is eaten; as with other Solanum species, leaves and unripe fruit are not.
- What grows well with Cocona (Orinoco apple)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cocona (Orinoco apple). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Lost Crops of the Incas (1989), US National Research Council, National Academies Press
- Fruits of Warm Climates (Morton, 1987), Purdue University NewCROP
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A soft-wooded shrub with huge felted leaves and orange-red, tomato-sized sour fruit used for juice and ají sauces; fruits within a year from seed.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica