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Melongena esculenta, Melongena ovata, Solanum aethiopicum, Solanum album, Solanum edule, Solanum esculentum, Solanum insanum, Solanum longum, Solanum melanocarpum, Solanum melongenum, Solanum oviferum, Solanum ovigerum, Solanum trongum, Solanum zeylanicum
Aubergine, brinjal, eggplant
Solanum melongena is a species of nightshade grown for its edible fruit. It has several common names; in American, Canadian and Australian English it is called eggplant, in British English aubergine. It is known in South Asia, Southeast Asia and South Africa as brinjal. Other common names are melongene, garden egg, or guinea squash. The fruit is widely used in cooking, most notably as an important ingredient in dishes such as moussaka and ratatouille. As a member of the genus Solanum, it is related to both the tomato and the potato. It was originally domesticated from the wild nightshade species, the thorn or bitter apple, S. incanum, probably with two independent domestications, one in the region of South Asia, and one in East Asia.
Solanum melongena, commonly known as eggplant, is a warm-season crop belonging to the Solanaceae family. In Qatar, it is cultivated for its edible fruit, which is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Research in Qatar has focused on improving yields and disease resistance in eggplant crops, given the country's hot and dry climate. Studies have explored the use of greenhouse cultivation, irrigation management, and grafting techniques to enhance plant growth and reduce water consumption. Additionally, Qatari researchers have investigated the genetic diversity of eggplant varieties to develop more resilient and productive cultivars suited to the local environment.
Fruits of eggplant (Solanum melongena) taken from entrance of Barzan Towers. Doha, Qatar, March 7, 2015
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) near a water tank on roadside between Mesayeed and Harrarah. Qatar, October 30, 2015
Al Wukair St, Qatar
Blooming eggplant (Solanum melongena) near a water tank on roadside between Mesayeed and Harrarah. Qatar, October 30, 2015Al Wukair St, Qatar
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) with flowers near a water tank on roadside between Mesayeed and Harrarah. Qatar, October 30, 2015Al Wukair St, Qatar
Flower and a dissected ovary of eggplant (Solanum melongena) taken from area of water tank on roadside between Mesayeed and Harrarah. Qatar, October 30, 2015
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) in a park at Al Intisar Street near a corner with Onaiza. Doha, Qatar, December 3, 2015Al Markhiya St, Doha, QatarObservations of Solanum melongena in Qatar showed that the plant was found in various locations, including the entrance of Barzan Towers in Doha and near a water tank on the roadside between Mesayeed and Harrarah. The plant was observed to have fruits and flowers, with blooming occurring in October. The flowers were also dissected to reveal the ovary. In December, the plant was found in a park at Al Intisar Street near Onaiza in Doha. The plant's presence was noted in both urban and roadside areas, suggesting its ability to thrive in different environments. The observations also highlighted the plant's reproductive stages, including fruiting and flowering, which occurred at different times of the year. Overall, Solanum melongena appeared to be a adaptable and widespread species in Qatar.
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QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.