Tree Tomato, Tamarillo
Cyphomandrabetacea

Family: Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Cyphomandra (sy-foh-MAN-druh)
Species: betacea (bet-uh-KEE-uh)

Synonym:Solanum betaceum

Synonym:Cyphomandra crassicaulis

Category

Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements

Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure

Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage

Shiny/Glossy
Succulent

Foliage Color

Unknown

Height

10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)

Spacing

6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)

Hardiness

USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Unknown

Danger

Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Pollen may cause allergic reaction

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown

Bloom Size

Unknown

Bloom Time

Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Unknown

Soil pH requirements

4.5 or below (very acidic)
4.6 to 5.0 (highly acidic)
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline)
over 9.1 (very alkaline)

Patent Information

Non-patented

Propagation Methods

From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel

Seed Collecting

Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Ferment seeds before storing
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored