Fox Face Plant Characteristics and Display Tips | A Branching Plant with Bright Yellow, Fox-Like Fruits

Basic Information about Fox Face

Plant Name	Fox Face
Scientific Name	Solanum mammosum
English Name	Fox Face, Nipple Fruit, Cow’s Udder
Other Names	Kitsunenasu, Tsunonasu, Kanarianasu
Family/Genus	Solanaceae/Solanum
Classification	Annual (Ornamental Fruiting Plant)
Origin	Tropical America
Availability	September - November

*★ indicates a 5-point scale

Characteristics of Fox Face

Fox Face is an annual plant belonging to the Solanum genus of the Solanaceae family.

In autumn, it bears bright yellow fruits on its branches, and their unique shape, resembling a fox's face, gives it the name "Fox Face."

The distinctive shape of the fruit is an adorable form with pointed tips and multiple protrusions that look like ears and a mouth. Even a single branch has a strong presence, making it a popular branch material indispensable for Halloween and autumn displays.

Its origin is the tropical regions of South America, and it thrives in warm climates. It is now widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in Southeast Asia and Japan, and is also known as "Tsunonasu" (Horned Eggplant), "Kitsunenasu" (Fox Eggplant), and "Kanarianasu" (Canary Eggplant).

The fruits and stems are toxic and cannot be eaten, but they retain their beauty for a long time even when dried, making them useful for flower arrangements and store decorations.

With its cuteness and impact, Fox Face stands out among autumn fruits. Its bright and cheerful appearance will surely bring comfort to those who see it.

Flower Language of Fox Face

The flower language of Fox Face includes "false charm," "playfulness," and "abundance." With its unique shape and vivid yellow fruits, Fox Face has been given various meanings in its flower language.

"False Charm"

The name Fox Face comes from the fact that its fruit resembles a fox's face. Foxes have long been a symbol of "cunning" and "disguise," which led to the flower language "false charm."

Its humorous and lovely appearance, at first glance, also contains a mysterious and不思議な charm, which is also reflected in this word.

"Playfulness"

The rounded fruits and adorable appearance of a branch full of them have such a presence that they can make anyone smile. From its bright colors and unique form, the flower language of "playfulness" is given, meaning "to entertain people" and "to brighten up a place."

It is a plant that brings a fun atmosphere, perfect for autumn displays and Halloween decorations.

"Abundance"

Fox Face, bearing many fruits on a single branch, is also a symbol of harvest and prosperity. Because of this, it is sometimes given with positive meanings such as "abundance," "prosperity," and "happiness." It is an auspicious branch material that evokes the joy of harvest with the changing seasons.

The flower language of Fox Face embodies humor, mystery, and the warm feeling of celebrating the autumn harvest.

Its bright colors and unique shape will bring "fun surprises" and "richness" to those who see it.

How to Display Fox Face

The key to displaying Fox Face is to arrange it in a way that highlights its unique fruit shape and vibrant yellow color.

By varying the direction and height of the branches, the adorable fox-face-like fruits will naturally stand out. If you spread the branch tips slightly or change the direction of the fruits one by one, you can enjoy the dynamic expression unique to Fox Face.

Since the branches are relatively sturdy, it can be stably displayed in vases with wide mouths or shorter vessels. Incorporating it into autumn displays or Halloween arrangements will make the space instantly vibrant with its bright and cheerful fruits.

Vase Collection Perfect for Branches

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Precautions when arranging in a vase

Change the water in the vase daily to keep it fresh. It is also important to regularly clean the vase to maintain hygiene.

When cutting branches, use clean pruning shears and cut the stem diagonally to aid water absorption. Lightly splitting the base of the branch can also improve water absorption.

When cutting branches, choose pruning shears that are easy to grip and fit comfortably in your hand. Those with sharp blades that can smoothly cut branches are ideal.

With a little care, you can enjoy your lovely Fox Face branches for even longer!

Toyama Hamono | Pruning Shears that Cut Thick Branches and Last a Lifetime

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How to Care for Fox Face

By understanding its characteristics and taking good care of it, Fox Face can be enjoyed for a longer period. Here, we introduce basic care methods for branches.

Basic Care

1. Recutting on the day of receipt

Branches should be recut on the day they arrive before being placed in a vase.

Additionally, make a cross incision at the base and use a knife to peel off the outer layer of the stem as if scraping it. It is recommended to only peel the part that will be submerged in water. This will help the branch absorb water more easily and stay fresh longer.

Furthermore, using a freshness retainer can help keep branches fresh for even longer◎

2. Choose a comfortable spot for your branches

Branches prefer a spot with good ventilation, sunlight, and moderate humidity. Displaying them in a bright place, such as by a window, will help them thrive.

On the other hand, direct exposure to air conditioning can cause them to dry out or result in poor flowering, so be careful.

It's also recommended to display them in quiet and relaxing spaces like bedrooms or washrooms.

3. Regular water changes

Change the water frequently before it becomes cloudy. This helps the stems absorb water and prevents bacteria and mold from growing in the water. Recutting the stems at this time will also help them absorb water again.

With just a little effort, you can enjoy the beauty of your branches for a longer time.

What to do if your branches are still not thriving...

Cut the branches and enjoy them compactly

Even with continuous care, water absorption may gradually worsen over time. In such cases, it is recommended to boldly cut the branches short.

Shortening them improves water absorption, and displaying them in smaller vases allows you to enjoy the branches in a different atmosphere.

Trivia about Fox Face

Fox Face compared to various animals

Fox Face is known for bearing fruits that resemble a fox's face, as its name suggests. However, it also goes by other names such as "Canary Eggplant" and "Fox Eggplant," and it's interesting how its name changes depending on the observer or region.

These unique fruits are thought to have been given their names because they can resemble a fox's face or a canary's beak. The rounded protrusions and vivid yellow color can look like animal expressions or tiny birds.

In English, it is sometimes called "Cow's Udder." Beyond just foxes, you can enjoy various "animals" gathering on the branches, depending on the observer's imagination.

Reasons for being cherished as a good luck charm

Fox Face has been cherished as a good luck charm in China since ancient times. One reason is the vivid yellow and orange color of its fruits. In Chinese culture, yellow and gold symbolize wealth, happiness, and prosperity, and these colors have been valued as harbingers of good fortune.

Furthermore, the unique fox-face-like shape also enhances its value as a good luck charm. Foxes are sometimes considered symbols of "wisdom" and "good fortune" in Chinese culture, and the Fox Face fruits, with their resemblance to foxes, are believed to bring prosperity to homes and businesses.

Moreover, Fox Face fruits can be enjoyed on the branches for a long time, so they are also valued as symbols of "longevity" and "sustained prosperity."

Because of these colors, shapes, and their long-lasting nature, Fox Face continues to be cherished as a good luck charm for New Year's and seasonal decorations, and for wishing business prosperity.

Summary of Fox Face

Fox Face is an annual plant belonging to the Solanum genus of the Solanaceae family, characterized by bearing vivid yellow, fox-face-like fruits in autumn. Due to its appearance, it is also known as "Kitsunenasu" (Fox Eggplant) and "Kanarianasu" (Canary Eggplant), and is popular as a unique branch material that evokes autumn.

Its flower language includes "false charm," "playfulness," and "abundance," meanings derived from the unique shape and bright color of the fruit, which brings joy and happiness to observers.

The expressions and color changes of the fruits arranged on branches add a delightful accent to any space. Simply decorating your interior with it can create an autumnal atmosphere with a playful and cheerful vibe. Furthermore, it is cherished as a good luck charm in China, where it is sometimes used as a symbol of home and business prosperity.

Decorate your room with the distinctive and colorful Fox Face and enjoy the bright autumn atmosphere!

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