Coral Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum L.), also known as Winter Coral, Red Coral, Four Season Fruit, Kanguo, Auspicious Fruit, Coral Seed, Jade Coral, Wild Tomato, and Wild Sea Pepper, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family.
The plant stems grow erect, reaching a height of 60-120 cm. The leaves are alternately arranged, narrow oblong to oblanceolate, with wavy edges.
The small flowers are radiant and white, appearing solitary or rarely in scorpius flower clusters.
The calyx has five lobes, and the corolla limbus also has five lobes. The five stamens are inserted at the throat of the corolla tube. The flowering period occurs from July to September.
The berries of the Coral Cherry are spherical in shape, and they range in color from orange-red to yellow. They remain on the branches for an extended period, while the seeds inside are flat. The fruit ripens from November to February of the following year.
Native to tropical America, this plant typically grows to a height of 1.2 meters with a crown diameter of 80 cm. The leaves are alternately arranged, and the white flowers appear solitary in the leaf axils.
Although the flowers are small and lack ornamental value, the berries are spherical, changing color throughout the seasons from green to red and finally to orange. Their round and exquisite appearance gives them an endearing quality.
The Coral Cherry is native to South America but is now cultivated in many regions of the world. It thrives in areas with ample sunshine and can tolerate warm and semi-shaded conditions.
It exhibits slight cold resistance and can be safely overwintered indoors. Deep, loose, and fertile soil is preferable, and the plant shows relative drought tolerance.
Propagation of the Coral Cherry can be achieved through various methods, with seed sowing being the most common. Mature seeds are harvested in winter, rinsed, dried, and sown before Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day) in the following year.
Small-scale propagation can be carried out in flowerpots, where seeds are evenly sprinkled on the soil surface, covered with a thin layer of soil, and then soaked in water.
To maintain moisture, the mouth of the flowerpot can be covered with glass or plastic film. Germination typically occurs within a week, and once new leaves appear, the seedlings can be transplanted individually.
For larger-scale seedling production, sowing in a seedbed is recommended. After planting, the seedbed should be regularly watered using a fine-hole watering can, ensuring the soil remains moist.
Additionally, a thin layer of fertilizer can be applied after transplanting, and the seedlings should be placed in a well-lit area.
During the summer and autumn growth periods, cuttings can also be used for propagation, resulting in a higher survival rate. For this method, branches with terminal buds measuring approximately 8-10 cm (remove flower buds if present) are cut or pruned.
The cuttings should be treated conventionally, with the seedbed or potting soil kept moist. Regularly misting the top buds and leaves with water and maintaining a temperature between 18 and 28°C can result in successful rooting within around 10 days.
If the cutting seedlings have well-developed roots and are relatively low in height, they can be cultivated as small potted plants for fruit viewing. Following autumn cutting, the red and colorful fruits can be enjoyed during winter.
Coral Cherry can also be potted and placed indoors for viewing. Its notable feature is the long fruit-viewing period, as the berries remain on the branches without falling off for an extended duration.
It is common to observe old fruit still attached while new fruit is being produced, providing year-round visual interest.
Particularly during cold and severe winters, having a few pots of Coral Cherry in the living room can bring joy and vibrancy to your surroundings.
The combination of emerald green leaves and abundant red fruits is not only visually appealing but also invigorates the space. Coral Cherry has a broad range of adaptability and can thrive in various soil types.
It exhibits strong resistance to drought, waterlogging, heat, and cold, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor potted cultivation. Overall, it can be regarded as an exceptional potted fruit-bearing flower.
