The African nightshade is an erect, many-branched herb which grows 0.5 to 1.0 m high. It has thin, oval, slightly purplish leaves up to 15 cm in length, with numerous white flowers. There are different species, some with purple, black, or orange berries, which are round, with about 0.75 cm in diameter. The most popular species are those with orange berries.

The plant is widely distributed throughout the tropics and can be found throughout East Africa.
It is locally known as: Mnavu (Swahili), managu (Kikuyu), namaska (Luhya), osuga (Luo), isoiyot (Kipsigis), kitulu (Kamba), ormomoi (Maa), ndunda (Taita) and nsugga (Luganda).

Uses

The leaves are eaten as cooked vegetable, often mixed with other vegetables.
It bears fruits, which are eaten fresh.

The major reason why FCI gave priority to the African nightshades is that it can grow on a wide range of soil types and is usually ready for harvest in four weeks. This ensures that it is readily available and can go along way to address food insecurity in Africa. The plant also has immense nutritional benefits. The raw leaves contain 4% protein, 6% carbohydrates and are moderately high in vitamin C, (AVRDC 2003).

After harvesting, the produce should be sold the same day. FCI has been sensitizing local farmers on some cheap preservation methods such as sun-drying the leaves. Under the Commercial Villages Model, smallholders have been able to pool their produce in convenient locations and arrangements made with buyers who now buy them from these points.

Like other crops, the African Nightshade is susceptible to spider mites and aphids.

To control these pests, the farmers have been encouraged to avoid planting next to infested fields. For the already infested crops, they can use overhead irrigation or wash plants with a strong jet of water to knock off mites and destroy their webs.