The Melon Pear (Solanum muricatum), also known as sweet cucumber or pepino, is a small perennial shrub primarily cultivated for its sweet, tasty, and ornamental fruits, which are yellow with purplish streaks. Its dark green foliage and the oval shape of its fruits have great decorative value in gardens, urban vegetable gardens, and even in larger landscaping projects, especially in subtropical and tropical climate regions. Beyond its visual appeal, the Melon Pear is notable for producing refreshing and aromatic fruits, which are highly prized in local markets and still rare in large supermarket chains. Due to its ease of cultivation and rapid development, it has become an interesting choice for gardeners looking for exotic and versatile species to grow in their garden or vegetable patch.
The scientific name Solanum muricatum derives from Latin: ‘Solanum‘ refers to the genus that includes several popular species of nightshades, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. This term has been used since antiquity to designate plants from the nightshade group. The term comes from the Latin solamen, meaning ‘comfort, relief’, alluding to the effect of producing sleepiness and reducing pain, probably in reference to the properties of Belladonna (Solanum nigrum). The specific epithet ‘muricatum‘ means ‘with thorns’ or ‘thorny’, referring to the presence of small protuberances or roughness on parts of the plant, although the Melon Pear is not notably thorny like other species of the genus. The choice of this epithet may be related to characteristics observed in the first wild specimens described by William Aiton in the 18th century, before modern improvement and selection.
Native to the Andean region of South America, Solanum muricatum is indigenous to countries such as Peru, Chile, Colombia, and possibly Ecuador and Bolivia. Its natural habitat includes inter-Andean valleys, temperate coastal areas, and altitudes ranging from sea level to about 9,800 feet (3,000 meters). It prefers environments with mild temperatures, good light, and well-drained soils, and is adaptable to both outdoor cultivation and greenhouse growing. Although it is not found in a truly wild state currently, its millennia-long cultivation in these regions highlights its agricultural and cultural importance since pre-Columbian times.
The Melon Pear is a semi-woody sub-shrub, predominantly herbaceous to slightly woody at the base, with a height generally between 3.3 and 6.6 feet (1 and 2 meters) and a variable width. Its roots are shallow and well-branched, promoting efficient water absorption in well-drained soils. The stems are green to purplish in color, with an average diameter of 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm), smooth texture when young and become slightly channeled or striated over time. The plant has an erect to semi-prostrate growth, with dense, voluminous clumps forming due to abundant branching from the base.
The leaves of the Melon Pear are simple, alternate, and oval to elliptical in shape, which can be whole or slightly lobed in some varieties. The petioles are prominent, measuring 0.8 to 2.4 inches (2 to 6 cm) in length, supporting leaf blades 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and 1.6 to 3.1 inches (4 to 8 cm) wide. The leaves are medium green to dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the underside, with well-marked veins and edges that are entire or gently wavy. The leaves are persistent throughout the year under favorable conditions, with a fine to moderately leathery texture and a slightly pubescent surface, providing a matte or subtly rough touch.
Solanum muricatum is a monoecious species, featuring hermaphroditic flowers arranged in axillary cymose inflorescences. The flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer. The inflorescences consist of groups of three to seven flowers located in the axils of the upper leaves; the flowers have radial symmetry (actinomorphic), a small calyx, and a star-shaped corolla, predominantly light lilac to pale violet with purplish or bluish spots.
Pollination is primarily by insects (entomophily), although the fruit may form by parthenocarpy. The fruit is a berry, which can take on an oval, ellipsoidal, conical, heart-shaped, or rounded form, depending on the cultivar. It measures about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length and up to 3 inches (8 cm) in width, similar in size to a goose egg, with a smooth golden-yellow shell and purple streaks when ripe; it is edible and highly prized, featuring a juicy texture and a sweet, refreshing flavor reminiscent of a blend of melon (Cucumis melo), pear (Pyrus communis), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Its seeds are small, flat, yellowish, and numerous within the pulp.
There are many varieties and cultivars of pepino melon (Solanum muricatum) that exhibit a wide range of colors, shapes, flavors, textures, plant sizes, and cultivation requirements, selected to suit different climatic conditions and market demands:
- ‘El Camino’ – Large, oval fruits with juicy, sweet-tasting flesh; disease-resistant and widely cultivated in Chile.
- ‘Sweet Long’ – Elongated, pale yellow fruit with prominent purple stripes; valued for its mild flavor and transport resistance.
- ‘Kawi’ – A compact New Zealand variety, ideal for container or greenhouse cultivation.
- ‘Pepino Gold’ – Round fruits with a bright yellow color, high yield, and good post-harvest shelf life.
- ‘Purple Torpedo’ – Characterized by more pronounced purple striping on the skin and a conical shape; prized for fresh consumption.
- ‘Putumayo’ – This variety is grown in southern Colombia and produces delicious, large, elongated fruits.
- ‘Suma’ – A variety known for its distinctive aromatic profile and disease resistance.
- ‘Colossal’ – A cultivar commercially grown in the United States, noted for its storage qualities.
- ‘Misky Prolific’ – A commercial variety developed in the United States for large-scale production.
- ‘Toma’ – A cultivar with extended storage potential.
- ‘Sweet Round’ – A round and aromatic variety developed through a breeding program in Spain.
- ‘Golden Globe’ – A round, yellow fruit, this variety has a distinct aroma and potential for storage under controlled atmosphere.
- ‘Puzol’ – Cultivar developed through a breeding program in Spain, specific for salads with characteristics of parthenocarpy (does not require pollination).
- ‘Valencia’ – Variety developed through a breeding program in Spain, with high fruit quality and good soluble solid storage capacity.
- ‘Turia’ – Variety developed for salads through a breeding program in Spain.
- ‘Pepo’ – Cultivar developed for desserts through a breeding program in Israel.
- ‘Becky’ – With small fruits, the size of cherries, and mild flavor, developed in Israel.
- ‘Rosy’ – High yield variety with mild flavor, developed in Israel.
- ‘Hannah’ – Medium-sized variety with high soluble sugar content and flavor reminiscent of “peach”, developed in Israel.
- ‘Nitza’ – Cultivar with large fruits and aroma similar to “banana”, developed through a breeding program in Israel.
- ‘Tally’ – Developed in Israel, this fruit has a texture similar to “apple”.
- Other varieties worth mentioning include ‘Comeraya’ (New Zealand), ‘Lincoln Gold’, ‘Asca’ (New Zealand) and ‘Schmidt’ (Chile).
Sweet cucumber is a fruit traditionally consumed fresh in Andean countries, where it is also used in juices, desserts, and salads. Its pulp is rich in water (about 92%) and contains vitamin C, A, and carbohydrates. In addition to its use in food, fruit extracts are used in the cosmetic industry as a skin emollient in moisturizing creams.
The Melon Pear carries millennia of history in the highlands of South America, immortalized in the pottery of ancient civilizations like Moche (100-800 AD), Chimú, and Paracas that populated what we now know as Peru. Belonging to the complex Solanaceae family, which also includes highly toxic plants due to their potent alkaloids – this fruit navigated turbulent waters during the colonial period.
Melchor de Navarra, Duke of Palata and viceroy in Peru, possibly influenced as much by cultural prejudices as by a limited understanding of the diversity of this botanical family, raised suspicions about its safety for consumption and prohibited its use, claiming it was toxic to the natives and called it mataserrano. Despite these historical tensions, the Melon Pear persisted as part of the cultural heritage, remaining present in food traditions and popular celebrations that resonate through the Andes Range, connecting contemporary communities to their pre-Columbian roots.
From the heart of the Andes, the Melon Pear expanded its global presence remarkably: Chile leads the commercial production in the Longotoma Valley, while New Zealand and Western Australia have established large-scale cultivations, contrasting with the local cultivation that still predominates in its countries of origin – Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. The species demonstrated broad climatic adaptability, establishing itself in diverse regions such as the highlands of Kenya, Israel, Morocco, Spain, and small areas in Hawaii and California, significantly expanding beyond its original Andean habitat. Commercially improved cultivars, primarily developed in New Zealand, have allowed this formerly regional fruit to reach specialist markets in Japan, Europe, and North America, gradually transforming a South American niche product into a sophisticated delicacy on the international market.
In residential landscaping, the Melon Pear can be used as an ornamental shrub of medium-low height or as a filler plant in mixed beds due to its semi-erect habit and grayish-green foliage. Its value is associated with both the production of the fruit and the decorative aspect they provide. The purple flowers are also attractive, although more subdued. The plant adapts well to borders of vegetable gardens or edible gardens integrated into landscape projects that value useful species linked to traditional Andean and South American culture, moving away from the commonplace. When trained on light supports or along low living fences, it contributes to the formation of productive masses and rows that attract pollinators during flowering.
In home gardens or multifunctional backyards, the Melon Pear can be grown alongside species such as basil (Ocimum basilicum) or marigold (Calendula officinalis), taking advantage of its rapid growth cycle for productive rotations. Its presence adds aesthetic value when planted in raised beds or compositions with aromatic herbs. The plant can also act as a focal element when planted in pots, in compact ornamental vegetable gardens or small orchards due to the contrast between dense foliage and colorful fruits during summer.
The sweet cucumber demands high light for full development and should ideally be grown in full sun, but tolerates partial shade in warmer climate regions. It adapts best to mild, subtropical, and temperate climates, with ideal temperatures between 59°F (15°C) and 77°F (25°C), being sensitive to thermal extremes, although some cultivars may be more heat resistant. It can be grown in greenhouses, protected from wind and intense cold, with productivity that is 2 to 3 times greater than outdoors.
Growth may be hindered by light frosts, as damage occurs at temperatures close to 32°F (0°C), especially in young shoots. Temperatures below -2.5°C (28.5°F) can cause significant defoliation and compromise production. Strong winds may damage branches and fruits, making it advisable to grow in sheltered areas or use windbreaks. The plant does not tolerate excessive maritime exposure well.
It prefers fertile, well-drained soils with medium to light texture, rich in organic matter and with a neutral pH (6.5–7.0). In pots, a vegetable potting mix enriched with organic compost and perlite is recommended to ensure efficient drainage. The Melon Pear is sensitive to waterlogging, which promotes root diseases; on the other hand, prolonged periods of drought reduce the vigor of the plant and the quality of the fruits. Watering should be regular and moderate, keeping the soil always moist without saturation. In dry climates or during fruiting, increase the frequency of irrigations.
Although it is a perennial plant, its cultivation is annual as it loses vigor over time. As it is sensitive to pests and diseases, it is advisable to establish the Melon Pear within preventive cultural practices, such as crop rotation with non-solanaceous species. Seedlings should be planted in well-prepared pits, enriched with organic compost or well-rotted manure. An initial fertilization rich in phosphorus to stimulate root development and monthly top dressings with balanced formulations (NPK or organic) during the productive cycle are recommended.
Staking is important due to the semi-erect nature of the plant and the weight of the fruits; use stakes or trellises to prevent the branches from touching the ground. Perform light pruning to remove diseased or poorly formed branches and promote lateral branching through pinching. The application of organic mulching helps maintain soil moisture, control weed growth, and protect the roots against sudden temperature changes.
The Melon Pear shows high sensitivity to pests such as mites, whiteflies, aphids, and beetles, as well as susceptibility to viral diseases like mosaic, fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, and root rot in moist conditions. Preventive management includes regular inspection of plants, biological pest control, and judicious use of natural insecticides when necessary. Avoid excessive soil moisture to prevent fungal diseases and maintain adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Herbivorous animals rarely cause significant damage to the crop. It may be sensitive to nematodes, requiring appropriate control and preventive management in the soil, such as solarization, removal of crop residues, and others.
The most efficient propagation of the Melon Pear is carried out by cutting semi-woody branches about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long; plant the cuttings in moist substrate under partial shade until complete rooting. Seed multiplication is seldom used due to the low germination rate in cultivated varieties. The best time to perform cuttings is at the end of winter or early spring, taking advantage of mild temperatures and greater water availability. After the cuttings have rooted (about 3–4 weeks), transplant them to the final location. Seedlings originated from seeds can be transplanted when they reach about 4 inches (10 cm) in height. The first flowering usually occurs in about four months; and the fruits can be harvested about five months after planting the plantlets.
