Pepino

Solanum muricatum

A small (kiwi sized)  yellow fruit streaked with pale purple stripes and varying in colour from golden-yellow to apricot. The pale yellowish-green flesh has a juicy melon-like texture. It is a delicious subtle flavoured fruit similar to a honeydew or rockmelon.

Closely related to the tomato this shrub will grow with a  sprawling habit and makes an excellent ground cover plant. It will put out roots (layering) where its stems touch the ground. It does tend to fruit better when grown over a trellis, or allowed to trail over a rock wall, barrel or similar structure. Otherwise, watch out for marauding snails and slugs! The foliage is susceptible to damage by light to moderate frosts, however will quickly recover with warmer weather. In cooler areas, it is better to grow in a large pot and move to a protected position through winter.

Very prolific once established, expect a few fruit in its first season with many more (often a dozen or so) per plant there after.