Tree tomato, Tamarillo

Where does Tree tomato grow?

Found in: Africa, Andes, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo DR, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Himalayas, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Panama, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sikkim, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Tanzania, Tasmania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United States, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Africa, Zimbabwe

Notes: There are about 30 Cyphomandra species. They are high in antioxidant activity. Fruit are reasonably high in folates 16μg/100.

Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. In Papua New Guinea it is quite often seen in the highlands and appears to be increasing in importance.

Growing Tree tomato, Tamarillo

Cultivation: They can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds grow better is they are washed and dried then placed in a freezer for 24 hours before planting out. Seeds produce a high branched erect tree. Cuttings produce a lower bushier plant. Cuttings of 60-90 cm long stalks are suitable. Cuttings should be taken from 1 to 2 year old wood which is 1-2 cm thick. Root cuttings can also be used. It has shallow roots therefore needs careful weeding. A spacing of 3 m apart is sufficient. Because the roots are easily damaged by nematodes, plants grafted or budded onto rootstocks that are resistant to nematode will live longer. The root rot fungus can mean it is difficult to get plants established in old gardens. The root knot nematodes also mean trees can die more quickly than they should, and sometimes this occurs in 3 or 4 years. High humidity can also cause stem rots. Young plants can be pruned to produce lower branches and fruiting. As fruit is produced on new branches, branches which have borne fruit can be pruned out. Flowers are self compatible so that pollination can occur within the one plant by wind.

Edible Uses: The content of the berries is eaten. It can be eaten raw or cooked. The layer just under the skin can be bitter while the layer around the seeds is sweet. The seeds can be eaten, or strained out. The outside skin is easily removed by immersing fruit in boiling water for one or two minutes. Sometimes the fruit is boiled to make a drink. The fruit can be stewed, grilled, baked, pickled, or used in jams, jellies, chutneys, conserves, pickles, pies, preserves and sauces.

Production: It commences bearing in its second year, when grown from seed. Fruit production is continuous throughout the year. Trees can bear hundreds of fruit year round. The tree is short lived lasting 5 or 6 years. Yields of 20 kg per plant are possible. Fruit are ready to harvest when the red or yellow colour develops. Fruit can be stored in a refrigerator for 10 weeks provided they are not frozen (3°C). To remove the skin, pouring boiling water over the fruit and letting it stand for 4 minutes make this easy.

Nutrition Info

Tree tomato, Tamarillo Photos

References

Tree tomato references Cyphomandra betacea

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