Family: Solanaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Solanum muricatum, commonly known as melon pear, pepino dulce, or pepino, is a fruit-bearing perennial shrub native to the Andean region of South America, from Colombia to Peru. It typically grows 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 m) tall and produces soft, branching stems, attractive purple-and-white flowers, and smooth, oval fruits that ripen to a creamy yellow color often marked with purple stripes. The juicy fruit has a mild, sweet flavor reminiscent of melon and pear, and is eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or used in desserts and beverages. Pepino is cultivated in many subtropical and temperate regions as a specialty fruit crop and is valued for its attractive fruits and ease of cultivation.

Risks & Threats
Pepino is generally considered a low-risk species and has not demonstrated significant invasive tendencies in Hawaiʻi or other tropical island ecosystems. The plant is primarily propagated through cuttings in cultivation, and while it can produce viable seeds, it is not known for aggressive spread or the formation of dense, self-sustaining wild populations. As with many cultivated plants, occasional escapes from gardens may occur, but there is little evidence that Solanum muricatum poses a substantial threat to native habitats, biodiversity, or agricultural systems. Responsible cultivation and disposal of garden waste can further minimize any potential for unwanted spread.

High Risk Traits:

• Highly suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized outside native range (New Zealand)
  
• Congeneric weeds exist (S. nigrum, etc.)
  
• Host for many Solanaceae pests/pathogens
  
• Self-compatible (self-pollinating)
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people
  
• Bird-dispersed (fleshy fruits)
  
• Seeds survive gut passage
  
• Fruits within 1 year

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic to humans/animals
  
• No unintentional dispersal mechanisms
  
• Low seed production (some cultivars seedless)