TAXONOMY OF SCARLET EGGPLANTS, SOLANUM AETHIOPICUM L.

During their taxonomic history cultivars of Solanum aethiopicum have been described as several genera and about 20 species, which are here allocated to the Gilo, Shum, Kumba and Aculeatum groups. Gigantism in domesticates may result from loss of dominant genes regulating wild-type morphogenesis. Common names for eggplants are considered.