Eggplant (scientific name: Solanum melongena) is commonly referred to as "eggplant" in Mandarin, Jin, and Xiang dialects. In Cantonese, it is often called "low gourd," while Hakka speakers refer to it as "hanging vegetable." In Wu and Hui dialects, it is called "falling silk," and in Teochew, it is known as "force silk." In Minnan, it is called "red vegetable," and in eastern Fujian, it is referred to as "purple vegetable." People from Hsinchu call it "Zhaowei." It is an annual herbaceous plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and is perennial in tropical regions. The fruit it produces is edible, typically purple or black, but there are also varieties that are light green or white. The shapes can vary widely, including long, round, oval, and pear-like forms. Depending on the variety, there are various ways to prepare and consume it.