Eggplant

a tropical plant sometimes called Guinea squash. It is thought to be a native of the East Indies. It is a relative of the tomato, ground cherry, and nightshade. The plant is raised in much the same manner as the tomato. It requires deep, rich, dry, mellow soil. It grows best in the Southern States but is raised successfully as far north as New York. Early fruit is secured by forcing in hothouses. The fruit of the European varieties is pale or white. American gardeners prefer black or purple fruit. The eggplant is subject to various blights and insects that render its cultivation more difficult than that of the tomato. When properly crated the fruit bears shipment better than the tomato.