Tamarillo - Cyphomandra Betarea
General
The tamarillo (Tree Tomato) is a fast-growing small subtropical tree, native of the Andean region of Peru. The plant prefers a light, well-drained soil. It is highly intolerant to excess soil moisture and rapidly succumbs when the soil is waterlogged. On the other hand, its large, soft leaves and shallow rooting system causes it to react unfavorably to drought conditions. It needs ample moisture during summer. It flowers in Spring through Summer while fruits start to form in Autumn. Its fruits are egg shaped with shiny red or yellow smooth skin. The skin is bitter, but the pulp is edible.
Growing:
The tamarillo is easily propagated from seed or cuttings.
· Plants from seed generally develop with a straight main stem of up to 1.5-1.8m before they branch.
· The cuttings produce lower, bushy plants, with branches down to the ground level.
To encourage branching lightly prune the plant when about a metre high. Light pruning after fruiting is also recommended.
Grow in a partly shaded spot (Tropical and hot regions), full sun in Sub-tropical and temperate regions. Protect it from strong winds.
Water well, do not allow soil dry out after pod formation.
Harvesting:
The oval fruit develop in clusters that hand down starting off as green and ripening to orange or red when about egg size in the winter months.
Uses:
The fruit has many uses apart from being eaten fresh, such as being cooked in any way tomatoes would be cooked. Tamarillo chutney and jam is a taste treat. The yellow fruiting variety is usually milder and sweeter with slightly smaller fruit.