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View Full Version : Tomatillos, the Mexican "little tomato"


bananarama2
09-29-2010, 04:45 PM
Since it is evident that a lot of members are not only banana crazy, but generally enjoy any interesting plant, I thought I'd submit the Tomatillo for consideration. Originating in Central America, they are closely related to tomatoes, in the family Solanum. Sometimes called Husk Tomatoes, they are physalis philadelphius, perennial within it's native climate, and very easy to grow, having cultural requirements similar to tomatoes. They should not be confused with a similar sounding plant of the same family, the Tamarillo, which is a shrubby tree also of Central and South American origin, widely grown as a Tomato Tree.

Both are very productive as fruiting plants in the landscape, and the tomatillo, in particular is very versatile in the ways it can be used. Each species has excellent entries on Wikipedia. Pictures of tomatillo can be viewed at banarama2's photo gallery, while the tamarillo can be found at the Hollyberry Lady's photo gallery. :2738:

Richard
09-30-2010, 12:03 AM
If chili peppers and eggplants over-winter in your garden, then I recommend you grow naranjilla -- if only for looks, and if the fruit sets then all the better.
Solanum quitoense - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_quitoense)

LilRaverBoi
09-30-2010, 12:04 AM
Mmmmm.....make yourself some salsa verde! I used to help grow these for years when I worked at the CSA (community sustained agriculture) back when I was growing up! Very cool plant.

The Hollyberry Lady
09-30-2010, 12:16 AM
Thanks for this great thread, Rik!


I'm growing Tamarillo from seed but this is it's first season and I'm told it won't produce until next year. Here's some shots I took of mine today in my garden...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSCI3685.jpg


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSCI3709.jpg


Love the purple center where the leaves sprout from...


http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSCI3687.jpg



Gonna bring it inside before frost.


I'm growing the red fruit variety but I also have seeds for the yellow one too. I find it to be a very attractive and appealing sort of plant and I can't wait to see the flowers, followed by the fruits...


: )

bananarama2
09-30-2010, 03:03 PM
Sure is a lush, tropical looking plant!

bananarama2
09-30-2010, 03:22 PM
Thanks Richard, but unfortunately, the bane of the West Coast here is at least three months of wet weather. Great for giant trees like cedars, not so good for some tropicals, which have a tough time with fungus problems. And wouldn't you know it, members of the Solanum family are some of my favorite plants! So, I grow them as much as ornamentals as anything (a purple leaf potato in a planter can generate an amazing number of compliments). But thanks for the suggestion.