Tree Tomato

This extremely fast-growing shrub has succulent fruits that look surprisingly like tomatoes!

The Tree Tomato (Cyphomandra betacea) has small pinkish flowers that appear in spring, resulting in egg-shaped reddish fruits which have a taste somewhere between a tomato and an apricot. They can be eaten raw, made into a puree or used in preserves. They are an excellent source of Vitamin C.

Did you know?
The Tree Tomato is native to the subtropical regions of the Andes mountains of South America. It will also bear fruit in cooler climates and is now grown commercially in California and New Zealand.

Back up to: temperate house plants

On to: New Zealand flora