Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba) Solanum macrocarpon
Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba) (Solanum macrocarpon) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Solanaceae family, native to Tropical Africa (domesticated in West Africa). It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) 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 | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (cooked in sauces), fruit (cooked) |
| Native to | Tropical Africa (domesticated in West Africa) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: unripe fruit, raw leaves in quantity
Like other nightshades it contains glycoalkaloids; the leaves and fruit are eaten cooked. Keep pets away from the plant.
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 Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba)
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 Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba)
- How far apart should I plant Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba) flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Like other nightshades it contains glycoalkaloids; the leaves and fruit are eaten cooked. Keep pets away from the plant.
- What grows well with Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Gboma eggplant (African eggplant, igbagba). 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).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Traditional African vegetables, World Vegetable Center
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- Grown mainly as a leaf vegetable in Benin, Togo and Nigeria; big, wavy, mostly spineless leaves and flattened, ribbed fruits.
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