Solanum cajanumense, commonly known as Casana, is an evergreen tree native to the cloud forests of the Andean region. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet, making it a relatively small tree. The Casana tree is characterized by its attractive tri-colored flowers, which bloom in the summer and exhibit shades of purple, blue, and white. These flowers are not particularly showy but add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall appearance. The foliage is dense, providing a lush green backdrop for the flowers. Casana is known for its edible yellow fruit, which is smaller than the tamarillo, to which it is closely related.

Casana’s notable benefits in cultivation include its edible fruit and its potential as an ornamental plant for small gardens or containers. It is best suited for cultivation in areas that mimic its native cloud forest conditions, such as cool, high-altitude regions or in greenhouses where its environment can be controlled. It requires full sun to part shade, consistent medium watering, and well-drained soil. While it is not commonly used in large-scale agriculture, it may be of interest to enthusiasts of rare fruit trees or those looking to diversify their home garden with unique species. However, gardeners should be aware that most parts of the plant are toxic, excluding the fruit. Challenges in cultivation include its intolerance to heat, frost, and direct sunlight, and susceptibility to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.CC BY-SA 4.0