Are Lycium Chinense and Solanum Aethiopicum in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Solanaceae.

Can you substitute Lycium Chinense for Solanum Aethiopicum?

They share the Solanaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

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Lycium Chinense vs Solanum Aethiopicum

Lycium chinense · Solanum aethiopicum

Lycium Chinense

Lycium chinense

T Traditional Use

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Lycium
Primary use: medicinal

Lycium chinense is one of two species of boxthorn shrub in the family Solanaceae. Along with Lycium barbarum, it produces the goji berry ("wolfberry"). Two varieties are recognized, L. chinense var. chinense and L. chinense var. potaninii. It is also known as Chinese boxthorn, Ch…

Solanum Aethiopicum

Solanum aethiopicum

T Traditional Use

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum subg. Leptostemonum
Primary use: medicinal

Solanum aethiopicum, the bitter tomato, Ethiopian eggplant, or nakati, is a fruiting plant of the genus Solanum mainly found in Asia and Tropical Africa. It is also known as Ethiopian nightshade, garden eggs, pumpkin-on-a-stick, and mock tomato. It is a popular vegetable in north…

At a glance

· Both in Solanaceae, but different genera (Lycium vs Solanum subg. Leptostemonum).
· Both are primarily medicinal.
· Evidence tiers — Lycium Chinense: T; Solanum Aethiopicum: T.