Tomato Plant

(Solanum lycopersicum)

Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as the tomato plant, is an annual herbaceous plant native to the semi-arid environments and temperate valleys of western South America. It typically grows to 1–3 meters (3–10 ft) in height. Tomato plants are climbing vines with a weak stem that sprawls and often requires staking or caging for support. The stems are pubescent, with fine short hairs that can form adventitious roots when in contact with moist soil, aiding in vegetative propagation. The flowers are yellow, with the anthers fused into a tube around the pistil’s style, and they bloom in the warm months. The fruit is a fleshy berry, commonly red when ripe, with numerous cultivars varying in size, shape, and color.

Tomatoes are highly valued for their culinary versatility and are a staple in gardens and commercial agriculture. They offer a range of health benefits due to their high vitamin C and antioxidant content. In cultivation, tomatoes require full sun and regular watering, thriving in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. They are susceptible to a variety of diseases, including blight and tomato hornworms. To prevent problems, practice crop rotation and choose disease-resistant varieties. Tomatoes can be invasive if not managed, as they readily self-seed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

native to the semi-arid environments and temperate valleys of western South America

Other Names

Common Names: Garden Tomato, Tomate, Tomate Comestible, Tomaat, Tomateiro, Kärleksäpple, Tomat, Tomatera

Scientific Names: , Solanum lycopersicum, Lycopersicon esculentum, Solanum lycopersicum var. lycopersicum, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme, Lycopersicon lycopersicum, Lycopersicon humboldtii, Solanum humboldtii

GBIF Accepted Name: Solanum lycopersicum L.