Cyphomandra betacea Seeds | Tree Tomato
LATIN NAME: Cyphomandra betacea
COMMON NAME: Tamarillo
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Tamarillo, Cyphomandra betacea is a shrub. Tamarillo is fast, soft-wooded, fruiting shrub or small tree of cool highlands of warm regions, and its egg-shaped, red, orange or yellow fruits have become a familiar of exotic fruit shelves of the world. Fruits are eaten fresh with skin removed, or cooked into chutneys and the sauces. It is a fine, generous, fast-fruiting plant of warm, sheltered garden. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Cyphomandra betacea ranges from the botany of the Cyphomandra group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Tamarillo has a growing place in plant science, and it has been studied as a fast, under-used fruit crop of cool highlands of warm regions. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
Tamarillo brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Tamarillo is grown for fruit, and egg-shaped, glossy fruits are eaten fresh with skin removed or used in chutneys, sauces, jams and the drinks. Plant is fast and generous, fruiting within a year or two of sowing, and it is a fine addition to warm, sheltered kitchen garden. Large, heart-shaped leaves and small, pink flowers make it a handsome ornamental as well. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Tamarillo is a tangy subtropical fruit rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins in the red types, eaten fresh or stewed.
Growing from Seed
Starting Tamarillo from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Tamarillo settles in quickly once it finds its footing. From then on, routine care is all that is required.
Related Reading
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