T&M/BNPS A new plant that can grow both aubergines and potatoes has been developed

Horticulturalists have spent years carrying out grafting trials to produce the dual-cropping plant named "Egg and Chips" which grows aubergines from its stem and potatoes from its roots. Experts experimented with more than 20 varieties of aubergine, commonly known as egg plants, before selecting one that was deemed best for size and performance. They then carefully cut the delicate 2ins tall stems of the aubergine and potato plants in half at an identical angle before grafting them together. The lower end of the potato plant and the top part of the aubergine then naturally fused together and grew on.

The end result is a batch of about four big purple coloured vegetables and two kilogrammes of potatoes under the soil. The 'Egg and Chips' plants are now being sold by British seed company Thompson & Morgan for the first time. A spokesman said the new dual-cropping plants will save space and are ideal for keen growers with small gardens or confined spaces like a balcony. It is also hoped the wacky product will excite children and get them interested in horticulture.

T&M/BNPS Horticulturalists have spent years trying to produce the dual-cropping plant named 'Egg and Chips'

T&M/BNPS The 'Egg and Chips' plants are now being sold by British seed company Thompson & Morgan

Egg & Chips is a real innovation Michael Perry

Experts are not disclosing the exact variety of aubergine and potatoes used in the grafting for fear their work will be copied. The two vegetables belong to the same plant family, known as the Solanaceae or nightshade. It is said the hardy potato plant supports the more delicate aubergine far better than its own root system can in British soil. The new plant can grow is most sunny, sheltered spot in the garden or in a pot on a patio or balcony. Michael Perry, the product development manager for Suffolk-based Thompson & Morgan, said: "Egg & Chips is a real innovation. For seasoned veg growers this is a really novel development. "For those without the luxury of an allotment or large vegetable patch it makes the most of available space in the garden. Even the smallest patio or balcony can accommodate a pot-grown Egg & Chips plant.

T&M/BNPS The new plant can grow is most sunny, sheltered spot in the garden or in a pot on a patio