Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪni pˈiːt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The Guinea peach is a fruit native to West Africa. Its name may seem confusing due to its spelling, but its pronunciation is quite simple. The /ɡɪniː/ part of the name is pronounced with a hard "g" sound followed by a long "e" and an "n" as in "nee". The /piːtʃ/ part of the name is pronounced with a long "e" followed by a "ch" sound as in "peach". When pronounced correctly, the Guinea peach is a delicious and nutritious fruit.
Guinea peach, scientifically known as Solanum incanum, is a small shrub belonging to the family Solanaceae. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, it is also commonly referred to as the bitter apple, bitter pea, gully bean, or wild tomato.
The guinea peach plant typically grows up to 2 meters in height and has a woody stem with numerous branches. It bears small, round fruits that resemble small tomatoes, measuring around 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter. The fruits are initially green but turn yellow or orange when fully ripe. The outer skin is thin, smooth, and covered with a waxy coating. The inner flesh is bitter and unpalatable, hence the common name "bitter apple."
The guinea peach plant is known for its medicinal properties. Various parts of the plant, including the leaves, roots, and fruits, have traditionally been used in herbal medicine to treat ailments such as stomachaches, skin infections, and intestinal parasites. It contains bioactive compounds like steroidal alkaloids, glycoalkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which are believed to possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it is important to note that the consumption of guinea peach fruits or the use of its plant parts for medicinal purposes should be done with caution due to their toxic nature. The unripe fruits and other plant parts contain toxic alkaloids that can cause severe digestive upsets, liver damage, or even be fatal if ingested in large quantities. Therefore, proper knowledge, preparation, and handling are crucial when using this plant for any purpose.
