Fasc-ination With Fasciation

Aloha!

Every two weeks we start a new round of seeds. Succession planting ensures that we have a continual supply of produce to offer our clients and feed ourselves with. Utilizing seed-saving allows us to further acclimate each type of plant to our climate, generation after generation. There are loads of benefits to this gardening technique. More on that at another time.

Sometimes, with seed-saving, fasciation occurs. Fasciation in plants is a rare condition where the growing tip (apical meristem) produces abnormal growth, resulting in flattened, ribbon-like, or contorted tissue instead of the usual cylindrical shape. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic mutations, and environmental conditions. Fasciation may also cause plant parts to increase in weight and volume in some instances.

Here are some photos of our "normal" Ping Tung eggplant flowers and fruit.

Now, take a look at one of our newest Ping Tung eggplant bushes. Fasciated style.

Crazy cool! We're excited to see what kind of fruit it produces!

Wild, huh?!

The elongated flower area with what looks like a three-in-one banger! It's got this incredible, thick, flesh-mixed-with-foliage thing going on! And the colors, WOW!

Sometimes fasciation results in unique fruits, and other times, not. We'll keep you updated and post as soon as we gather some fruit.

Soon, we will be presenting two new eggplant offerings at our local market.

Mitoyo. Multi-lobe, almost black. Reflective like a mirror!

Rosa Bianca. Lavender-pink color, lightly scalloped, egg-shaped. Gorgeous and supposedly, one of the most delicious varieties.

Roughly one week ago, they began setting fruit.

We never paid much attention to eggplant as children, or young adults. In our climate though, these plants thrive. They are perennial bushes here in Ka'u! So, we have diversified our palettes and fallen in love with this food.

Mahalo nui for taking a look at our beautiful eggplants!

Aloha!