Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

Eggplant is a tender short-lived perennial commonly grown as an annual food crop. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/solanum-melongena/) identifies eggplant as Solanum melongena and distinguishes its edible fruit from toxic non-fruit tissues. Do not eat the flowers, foliage or roots; protect children and pets. This unselected species record assigns no named cultivar or fixed fruit color. The Tasmania guide prints 'Solanum melongera' paired with Eggplant; the catalog spelling is corrected to Solanum melongena on that scientific/common-name evidence. The [Tasmania Fire Service 2014–15 guide](https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/landcaretas/pages/101/attachments/original/1466562095/140835_TFSFireResistingPlants_2014_15.pdf?1466562095=) lists this species in its low flammability group. This is a relative rating for maintained plants; all vegetation can burn, and watering, pruning and removal of dead material remain necessary.