Subject: Re: Tree Tomatoes From: "Chris" <look@my.sig> Organization: Bogus Date: Thu, 18 Feb 99 16:29:16 Message-ID: <MOD$990218.25763@rec.gardens.ecosystems> References: <MOD$990215.17156@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
Tomato, Tree -- Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) Sendt.
James M. Stephens
Advertisements appear quite often in newspapers extolling the merits of the
tree tomato. It is not a true tomato, but is a perennial shrub 6-10 feet
high, having large, 5 inch long, heart-shaped, hairy leaves. The fruit
looks more like a small eggplant than a tomato. It is 2-3 inches long, oval
in shape, smooth, and long stemmed. The mature fruit has soft, red skin and
contains many small seeds. Tree tomato is grown in Florida in gardens and
around the house, and does best in frost-free locations. It is grown widely
in South America, especially Peru and Brazil.
It begins blooming 2 years after seeding. Fruit production declines sharply
after 5-6 years. The time required from bloom to mature fruit is about 3
months. Plants are easily propagated from seed, but also may be started
from cuttings. It has been slow to produce fruit in Gainesville trials, but
has produced fairly well in Dade County.
Gardeners often advertise seed for sale in seed exchange bulletins, and it
is listed by seed and plant companies.
FluffyLamb@webtv.net wrote in article
<MOD$990215.17156@rec.gardens.ecosystems>... > > Can anyone tell me anything about tree > tomatoes? Here's what I have so far: > 1. Tropical. Must be protected from > temperatures under 55 degrees. > > 2. Fruit tastes better than regular > tomatoes (I'm dying to try them). > > 3. Takes 3 years to bear. > > I got one last year and it was beautiful and > apparently immune to the problems I have > with tomatoes in a hot, wet climate. > Unfortunately, I managed to kill it (I'm > ashamed to admit how). > > I do intend to get 4 more this year and would > appreciate any info I can get. > > Thanx > >