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Solanum lycocarpum
Solanum lycocarpum
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Solanum lycocarpum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Species:
S. lycocarpum
Binomial name
Solanum lycocarpum

Solanum lycocarpum, or wolf apple, is common in the Brazilian Cerrado ecoregion. In Portuguese, the plant is called lobeira (lit.'wolf's plant') or fruta-do-lobo ('wolf's fruit').[1] The name "wolf's apple" comes from the fact that its fruit accounts for more than 50% of maned wolves' diet.[1] Likewise, the scientific name "lycocarpum" is formed from Latinized Greek elements "lyco-", meaning "wolf", and "carpum" meaning "fruit".[2]

Range

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The native range of the wolf apple tree is the Brazilian savannah, but it grows also on pastures and disturbed land, such as highway margins, in various parts of Brazil.[3] It prefers moist, clay soil, full sun, and mild temperatures.[4][5]

Description

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Flower
Fruit

The wolf apple plant is a flowering shrub or small tree with round open crown, ranging in height from 1.2 to 5 m (4 to 16 ft). The large leaves are 16 to 28 cm (6 to 11 in) long, simple but deeply lobed, tough, and covered in a soft grey-white fuzz, in alternate disposition.

Plants flower through the year, but more intensely during the dry season, from late fall to early spring. The flowers are similar to those of the bitter nightshade: star-shaped, with five sepals, five blue or purple petals fused at the base, and five large yellow anthers that release pollen through an opening at the tip. The flowers are arranged in helical monochasal cyme, opening from the base up. Flowers lack nectar, and are either male or hermaphroditic. The latter produce fruit after cross-pollination by several species of pollen-collecting bees, including Xylocopa virescens, X. frontalis, Oxaea flavescens, Centris scopipes, C. fuscata, Bombus morio, Exomalopsis sp., Pseudaugochloropsis graminea, Apis mellifera, and Megachile benigna.[4][5]

Fruit production occurs mostly between December and January. The fruits are large, up to 20 cm (8 in) in diameter and weighing 900 g (2 lb) or more, and contain up to 500 dark brown comma-shaped seeds, about 7 mm × 5 mm × 2 mm (14 in × 316 in × 116 in).[6] The rind is thin and lustrous, and remains green even after ripening.[6] The pulp is yellowish, soft, sweetish and extremely aromatic.[3] They resemble the tomato in external shape and internal morphology,[5] but also the eggplant for the texture and color of the flesh. The maned wolf is an important seed-spreading agent.[7]

Uses

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Culinary use

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The ripe fruits are edible to humans, and are consumed by local populations in jams and preserves, but the unripe fruits are quite rich in tannin.[5] The fruits are used as a fallback source of food for cattle in the dry season.

At the onset of maturation, the whole fruit contains 85% moisture (by weight), 5% starch, and 10% other residue.[3] The dry pulp, without peel and seeds, yields over 50% starch, more than cassava.[8] The starch is locally separated by blending the fruit with water and straining.[3]

The pulp of the ripe fruit contains about 75% moisture, 11% carbohydrate, 1% fat, 1% protein, 1% ash, 2.5% soluble fiber, and 2% insoluble fiber. The main volatiles in the ripe fruit are hexanal (which has the scent of grass) and ethyl butanoate (scent of apple), although dozens of other compounds contribute to the fruit's aroma.[9]

All other parts of the plant are poisonous to humans. However, the leaves are eaten by cattle, and are also an important food source for the bat Platyrrhinus lineatus.[10]

Medicine

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Currently, there are no proven medicinal uses for the wolf apple, but the plant is used in the local folk medicine for obesity, cholesterol reduction, and as a treatment for diabetes.[5] About 30% of the starch extracted from almost-ripe fruits, which commercialized as capsules, is digestion-resistant,[3] which seems to be the rationale for these popular uses.[11] High-fiber Solanum lycocarpum flour was found to reduce diabetes symptoms in diabetic rats;[12] however, the starch did not show such effect.[13]

The fruit contains about 1.5% of glycoalkaloids in its dried fruits, chiefly solamargine and solasonine,[14] mostly in the peel and seeds.[3] Extracts have been shown to kill in vitro the human parasites Schistosoma mansoni[15] and Giardia lamblia,[16] Leishmania amazonensis,[17] and Leishmania infantum.[18] The main phenolic compounds in ethanol extracts of the ripe fruits are caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid.[19]

It is believed that the fruits protect the maned wolf from infection of the giant kidney worm, which is usually fatal for the animal.[5]

Solanum lycocarpum fruit extracts have also been shown to kill larvae of the Culex mosquito.[20]

Pests

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The wolf apple tree is the natural host of the larva of the butterfly Leucanella memusae. Contact with the urticating bristles of this caterpillar may result in severe dermatitis and hemorrhage.[21]

The weevil Collabismus clitellae lays eggs into stems of the plant, causing the formation of galls, with measurable harmful effect on the plant's growth and fruit production.[22]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Solanum lycocarpum, commonly known as the wolf apple, lobeira, or fruta-do-lobo, is a species of in the Solanum within the family . Native to the ecoregion of central and eastern as well as parts of , it thrives in savannahs and wooded savannahs at elevations up to 1,100 meters. This , prickly or small typically reaches heights of 2–5 meters, featuring a twisted trunk, thorny branches, and tomentose leaves measuring 6–24 cm long and 4–14 cm wide. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. The plant produces large, globular berries that are a defining feature, with fruits reaching 7–16 cm in diameter and weighing 400–900 grams. These berries have a tomentose green peel that remains green when mature, and contain a fleshy, succulent pulp surrounding 300–500 seeds. Although the fruits are edible raw and used in jams or sweets, S. lycocarpum contains toxic steroidal glycoalkaloids such as solamargine and solasonine, which can pose risks if consumed in excess. The species is fast-growing and acts as a pioneer in secondary formations, but it is also considered a noxious weed in pastures due to its prickliness and potential toxicity. In traditional Brazilian folk , Solanum lycocarpum has been employed for its hypoglycemic, , , antiepileptic, and properties, particularly in treating , , , and parasitic infections. Modern research highlights its bioactive compounds, including alkaloids like calystegine B2, which contribute to , , antidiabetic, anticancer, and activities. Additionally, the wood serves as fuel or for charcoal production, and the plant supports efforts in its native habitats. The fruits play an ecological role, notably as a source for the (Chrysocyon brachyurus), from which the common name "wolf apple" derives.

Taxonomy

Classification

Solanum lycocarpum is classified within the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order , family , genus , and species S. lycocarpum. The species was first described by the French Auguste de Saint-Hilaire in , published in his work Voyage dans le District des Diamans. Several heterotypic synonyms have been recognized for S. lycocarpum, including Solanum grandiflorum var. angustifolium Sendtn., Solanum grandiflorum f. apaense Chodat & Hassl., and Solanum grandiflorum var. macrocarpum Hassl.. As a member of the Solanum, S. lycocarpum is taxonomically related to economically important species such as the (S. lycopersicum) and (S. tuberosum), sharing the same diverse known for its alkaloids and wide-ranging adaptations.

Etymology

The genus name is derived from the Latin word solamen, meaning "comfort" or "solace," referring to the and medicinal properties attributed to various nightshade plants in ancient times. The specific epithet lycocarpum is a Latinized form combining the Greek roots lykos (λύκος), meaning "," and karpos (καρπός), meaning "fruit," alluding to the plant's ecological association with the (Chrysocyon brachyurus). In Portuguese, Solanum lycocarpum is commonly known as lobeira ("wolf's plant") or fruta-do-lobo ("wolf's fruit"), reflecting its association with the . In English, it is referred to as "wolf apple," emphasizing the fruit's appeal to this canid.

Description

Morphology

Solanum lycocarpum is a , much-branched or small typically reaching 1.5–5 m in height, with a roundish, sparse crown and crooked, cylindrical stems that are armed with uncinate prickles up to 0.8 cm long and covered in a dense indumentum of white, stellate trichomes. The branches are thorny and exhibit a pioneer growth habit, contributing to the plant's overall robust structure. The leaves are simple, ovate to elliptic or lanceolate-oblong, measuring 5–21 in and 2–11 in width, with entire to slightly sinuate margins, an acute to acuminate apex, and a cordate or rounded base that may be asymmetric. They are rigid and rough in texture, bearing dense white pubescence of stellate trichomes, particularly on the abaxial surface, while the adaxial surface is less densely tomentose; petioles are 1–7 long and often prickly. Flowers are hermaphroditic and borne in extra-axillary or terminal scorpioid cymes containing up to 20 flowers, with short peduncles and pedicels about 0.3 long covered in stellate trichomes. The corolla is rotate, 1–4 in diameter, and ranges from white to pale violet or , featuring five petals; the stamens are prominent, , and attenuate, with anthers approximately 1.6 long. The fruits are globose berries, 7–16 cm in diameter, initially green and pubescent, turning yellow to orange when ripe, weighing 400–900 g. The pulp is fleshy, juicy, and sweet-tasting with a tomato-like flavor and strong aroma, enclosing 300–500 flattened, reniform seeds that are dark when mature. These fruits facilitate primarily through consumption by wildlife.

Reproduction

Solanum lycocarpum displays an andromonoecious , producing both hermaphroditic and functionally staminate flowers on the same , with only hermaphroditic flowers capable of production. Flowering occurs year-round across its native range in the Brazilian Cerrado, but with peak intensity during the dry season, varying regionally from April to September in northeastern areas like to September through December in southeastern regions such as . Pollination is primarily achieved by large-bodied bees, including species in the genera Xylocopa, Epicharis, and Centris, which employ to extract pollen from the poricidal anthers of the flowers. The plant is self-incompatible, as manual and spontaneous yield no fruit set, promoting for successful reproduction despite the potential for in andromonoecious individuals. Following , fruit development proceeds over approximately 2–3 months, resulting in large, globose berries that measure 7–16 cm in and weigh 400–900 g, each containing 300–500 . These , which are and albuminous with dimensions of about 6–7 mm in length, exhibit physical due to a rigid, dark-brown testa, and are primarily dispersed by mammals. Seed viability is maintained for extended periods in the , with broken effectively by or passage through animal digestive tracts, enhancing rates from around 40% in intact, undispersed seeds to over 90% in processed ones. Optimal requires a 12-hour alternating /dark cycle and fluctuating temperatures of 20/30°C, mimicking natural conditions and promoting emergence within 3–4 weeks under favorable circumstances.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

Solanum lycocarpum is native to central and southeastern , where it is primarily associated with the biome, as well as southern . Within , the species occurs in the Northeast (), Central-West (Distrito Federal, , , ), Southeast (, , Rio de Janeiro, ), and South (Paraná). The plant typically grows at elevations between 600 and 1,200 meters above , with populations documented up to 1,100 meters in habitats. Studies have observed variations in morphology and across altitudinal gradients in the Neotropical , confirming its presence in both low- and high-altitude areas within this range. Historically, the range of Solanum lycocarpum has shown relative stability, but recent assessments indicate potential contraction due to ongoing habitat loss in the biome, driven by and ; as of 2025, the has lost approximately 46% of its native vegetation. There are no records of widespread naturalized introductions outside , though limited ornamental plantings occur in subtropical areas.

Habitat preferences

Solanum lycocarpum thrives in the open woodlands and rocky outcrops characteristic of the Brazilian , where it often occupies disturbed or secondary formations such as pastures and regenerating areas. This species is adapted to a seasonal with distinct wet and dry periods, enabling it to persist in environments with pronounced environmental variability. The plant prefers well-drained soils ranging from sandy to loamy or even heavy clays, provided drainage is adequate to prevent waterlogging. It tolerates slightly acidic to neutral levels (approximately 5.5–7.0) and nutrient-poor conditions typical of the highly weathered, dystrophic soils in the . In terms of climate, S. lycocarpum is suited to tropical conditions with annual rainfall between 800 and 1,500 mm, concentrated in a , and average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. The species exhibits strong tolerance to , with established plants capable of surviving extended dry periods through adaptations like deep rooting. Additionally, it shows resilience to frequent fires common in the , which aids its role as a in post-disturbance regeneration. S. lycocarpum commonly associates with other Cerrado vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees, contributing to the mosaic of open woodlands where it reaches high densities in suitable microhabitats.

Ecology

Interactions with wildlife

_Solanum lycocarpum exhibits key mutualistic interactions with wildlife in the Brazilian , primarily through facilitated by the (Chrysocyon brachyurus), which serves as the main endozoochoric disperser. The plant's large, fleshy fruits, known as wolf apples, form a substantial part of the maned wolf's diet, comprising up to 50% of its fruit consumption in certain habitats and contributing significantly to overall biomass intake. This relationship benefits the plant by enabling long-distance seed dispersal, with maned wolves depositing viable seeds across distances of several kilometers within their extensive home ranges averaging approximately 80 km². A seminal study documented this dispersal mechanism, highlighting the maned wolf's role in transporting hundreds of seeds per fruit over wide areas. Other wildlife consumers, including , small mammals, and birds, occasionally ingest the fruits and contribute to dispersal via endozoochory, though their impact is secondary to that of the . These interactions are particularly vital during the , when S. lycocarpum fruits provide essential to frugivores amid resource scarcity. The plant also maintains mutualistic ties with pollinators, attracting bees such as Xylocopa species that perform to ensure cross-pollination and set. High production by S. lycocarpum, which reaches dense populations in disturbed areas, bolsters local by sustaining populations and promoting plant regeneration. However, the fruits contain like solasonine and solamargine, which exhibit toxicity and may deter or harm non-adapted species while being tolerated by primary consumers like the .

Pests and diseases

Solanum lycocarpum faces several insect pests that affect its leaves, fruits, and overall growth in its native habitat. (Hemiptera: ) are common sap-suckers on the plant, often tended by in mutualistic associations that can exacerbate damage by increasing aphid populations and reducing plant fitness through honeydew production and formation. miners (Diptera: ) create serpentine trails in the foliage, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity; studies show that plants with lower experience less mining damage, indicating a link between plant vigor and pest susceptibility. Fruit borers, such as the small fruit borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Lepidoptera: ), infest developing fruits, causing larval galleries that result in premature fruit drop and seed loss. Additionally, larvae of the moth Leucanella memusae (Lepidoptera: ) feed on leaves and can induce in handlers due to urticating setae, posing secondary risks during harvesting. Fungal diseases primarily threaten S. lycocarpum during periods of high humidity. Anthracnose, caused by spp., is prevalent on seeds and fruits in wet seasons, leading to dark lesions, rot, and reduced viability; incidence can reach 29% on untreated seeds, though surface sterilization significantly lowers it. Other seed-associated fungi like spp., spp., and spp. contribute to storage decay but have lesser phytopathological impacts. Viral infections, such as (PVY; Potyviridae), cause mosaic symptoms on leaves but are rare, with isolated reports from state. Vertebrate herbivores exert pressure on S. lycocarpum, particularly in disturbed areas. Rodents, including species like Nectomys squamipes, inflict significant pre-dispersal and fruit damage, limiting . In fragmented landscapes with reduced forage options, overbrowsing by and occurs, stripping leaves and young stems despite the plant's from alkaloids, leading to in invaded pastures. The plant exhibits natural resistance to pests through its dense tomentose pubescence on leaves and stems, which physically deters small arthropods and reduces oviposition sites, and via steroidal alkaloids like solamargine and solasonine that act as feeding inhibitors and toxins against herbivores. Chemical controls are rarely applied due to the species' predominant wild harvesting for and , favoring integrated management reliant on preservation over pesticides. A 2012 study along urban gradients found higher herbivory levels on S. lycocarpum, with up to 18.4% leaf area removed in highly urbanized sites compared to 10.9% in less urbanized sites, due to disrupted predator-prey dynamics and increased .

Uses

Culinary applications

The ripe fruits of Solanum lycocarpum, known locally as fruta-do-lobo or lobeira, are consumed fresh by populations in the Brazilian region due to their sweet, fleshy pulp and low acidity. These yellow berries, reaching 7–16 cm in diameter, offer a tomato-like texture when eaten raw, providing a nutritious valued for its mild flavor. Beyond fresh consumption, the fruits are processed into jams, juices, liqueurs, and candies, integrating them into traditional Brazilian for both everyday and festive preparations. Preparation methods often involve cooking or processing to mitigate any mild bitterness present in the pulp, enhancing palatability for desserts and beverages. In regional recipes, the fruits are boiled or fermented to create liqueurs and syrups, or pulped and strained for juices and ice creams, reflecting their role in culinary traditions. The extracted from the fruits, yielding about 10% by , is also used in local sweets and as a , obtained by peeling, pulping, and drying the ripe berries. Nutritionally, S. lycocarpum fruits are rich in , delivering over 100% of the recommended daily intake in a 100 g serving of fresh pulp, alongside notable levels of at approximately 23 g per 100 g in form. They contain about 30% in the fruit, which resists digestion and functions as a prebiotic to support gut health by promoting beneficial growth. These components contribute to the fruit's appeal as a dietary staple in the , offering soluble sugars and minerals like for energy and metabolic support. Historically, indigenous groups in central gathered S. lycocarpum from the wild as a fruit source, relying on its drought-resistant nature for sustenance during dry periods when other resources were scarce. The plant's adaptability to arid environments made its fruits a reliable source for native communities, harvested wild or from managed stands to supplement diets. Safety considerations emphasize consuming only ripe fruits, as unripe ones contain high levels of like solamargine and solasonine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested raw. through , cooking, or extraction reduces these compounds, rendering the fruits safe for culinary use in moderation.

Medicinal properties

In Brazilian folk medicine, Solanum lycocarpum, commonly known as lobeira or fruta-do-lobo, is traditionally employed for treating , , and gastrointestinal issues such as , with fruits and roots prepared as remedies to manage and digestive discomfort. The plant's hypoglycemic properties are particularly noted, where unripe is used to control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Key active compounds in S. lycocarpum include steroidal such as solamargine and solasonine, which constitute significant portions of the fruit's content (up to 47.96% and 45.09%, respectively), alongside withanolides, other steroidal like , and phenolic antioxidants including caffeic and coumaric acids. These compounds contribute to the plant's pharmacological effects, with the exhibiting potent bioactivity in extracts. Scientific studies support these traditional applications, particularly the hypoglycemic effects of fruit extracts, which reduce serum glucose levels in animal models at doses of 25–100 mg/kg body weight and inhibit α-glucosidase activity (IC₅₀: 49.06 µg/mL for calystegine-rich fractions). Anti-inflammatory properties have been evidenced in leaf extracts, demonstrating reduced inflammation in vivo at 300 mg/kg body weight, as confirmed by 2020s research including antinociceptive assays. Additionally, 2020s investigations reveal the prebiotic potential of the fruit's resistant starch (approximately 30% content), which promotes probiotic bacterial growth and supports gut health, though its protective effects against induced intestinal inflammation are inconsistent. Traditional preparations involve decoctions or infusions of fruits and roots, or powdered forms consumed at dosages of 5–10 g daily for hypoglycemic and gastrointestinal relief. However, due to the potential of alkaloids, high doses may induce and , and the plant is not recommended for pregnant individuals owing to embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects observed in studies at dietary levels of 3%.

Other uses

The wood of Solanum lycocarpum is light and soft, with poor mechanical properties, rendering it unsuitable for heavy but appropriate for local utilitarian purposes such as and production. It is also employed in crafting inexpensive packing boxes due to its straight grain and medium texture. As an , S. lycocarpum is valued in within the Brazilian region for its vibrant purple flowers, star-shaped structure, and attractive orange-yellow fruits, which provide visual appeal in gardens and public spaces. Its native adaptation to drought-prone environments contributes to its suitability for low-maintenance ornamental plantings. Ecologically, S. lycocarpum serves as a in the restoration of degraded woodlands, rapidly colonizing disturbed areas like abandoned pastures and facilitating the establishment of other native vegetation through its nurse plant effects, which create favorable microenvironments under its canopy. This role supports efforts in ecosystems recovering from agricultural or fire impacts. The plant is primarily wild-harvested from natural populations for these applications, with limited commercial-scale cultivation as of 2025, reflecting its abundance in native habitats but constrained for non-food uses.

Cultivation

Growing requirements

Solanum lycocarpum thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct daily to support vigorous growth and fruit production. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced fruiting. The plant is well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates, with optimal temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C; as a tropical species, it prefers warm conditions and may be damaged by frost, though specific tolerance levels for mature plants are not well-documented. For soil, well-drained sandy loam or similar textures are preferred, accommodating a wide range including poor, acidic types while avoiding waterlogging to prevent . The plant tolerates acidic, nutrient-poor soils typical of the (pH 4.5-6.0), though well-drained conditions are essential. Watering should be regular during establishment to maintain even moisture, though mature plants exhibit strong once rooted; aim for soil drying slightly between sessions. The plant grows well in the moderate humidity of its native habitat. Fertilization involves applying a balanced, low-nitrogen NPK during active growth periods to avoid excessive vegetative development at the expense of fruiting. In cultivation, challenges include vigilant pest , as the plant can attract common pests like or beetles, and ensuring spacing of 3-6 meters between individuals to accommodate its shrubby habit up to 5 meters tall.

Propagation methods

Solanum lycocarpum is primarily propagated through , which require specific treatments to overcome imposed by the cap. are extracted from ripe, soft by transversally cutting the and washing away the surrounding pulp to remove the fleshy coating, followed by surface sterilization with 1% and drying. Optimal occurs under a 12-hour alternating light/dark regime with fluctuating temperatures of 20/30 °C, yielding up to 91% for dispersed from ripe after approximately 40 days, with emergence beginning around day 6 and 50% by day 26. by mechanical removal of the cap enhances this process, achieving 100% within 5 days at constant temperatures between 20–30 °C. To further improve germination rates and uniformity, hydropriming—imbibing in aerated water at 15 °C for 15 days—results in 87.9% , a 23% increase over non-primed controls, while reducing the time to 50% by about 14 days. This priming method also promotes weakening via increased endo-β-mannanase activity and supports better establishment, with primed seedlings showing 23% greater shoot length, 24% faster root collar diameter growth, and higher dry weights (e.g., 1.14 g shoot dry weight versus 0.81 g in controls) after 90 days in tube or bag systems. is best timed for the wet season to mimic natural conditions in the , where alternating temperatures and moisture facilitate the two-stage weakening process observed in wild . Vegetative propagation methods, including semi-hardwood cuttings, layering, and onto related rootstocks for enhanced disease resistance, offer alternatives to propagation, though detailed success rates for S. lycocarpum remain understudied. Semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy can be rooted in a sand-perlite mixture under intermittent mist, achieving moderate success similar to other species, while layering exploits the plant's woody stems for natural rooting. is particularly useful for introducing resistance traits from compatible rootstocks like S. torvum. Transplanting occurs after 6–12 months, once seedlings reach 30–50 cm in height. propagated from typically begin fruiting in 2–3 years under suitable cultivation conditions.

References

  1. https://www.[researchgate](/page/ResearchGate).net/publication/283322828_Seed_dispersal_of_Solanum_lycocarpum_StHil_Solanaceae_by_the_Maned_Wolf_Chrysocyon_Brachyurus_Mammalia_Canidae
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