Solanum

melongena Solanum melongena, commonly known as eggplant, brinjal, or aubergine, is a species of nightshade in the Solanaceae family, native to South Asia. It is widely grown for its edible fruit, which has a distinct purple-blackish colour and is used in a variety of European, Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian dishes. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, laxative, antibacterial, and antiviral. The plant is also valuable for its ornamental properties, making it popular as a garden plant. Eggplant is one of the most important vegetables in warm climates, as it is highly resistant to heat and drought.