Casana
Cyphomandra casana

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

Cyphomandra casana is an evergreen Tree growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Edges of rainforests in highland regions.

S. America - Ecuador.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy, the flavour is said to be like a blend of peach and tomato.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil. Prefers a light fertile soil. Dislikes drought. Plants are very prone to wind damage. Plants fruit best with cool temperatures in the growing season. This species is probably not hardy in Britain, but like the related tree tomato it might be possible to grow it outdoors in the summer and bring it into a warmer place for the winter. Plants are probably insensitive to day-length. Very fast growing, it starts to fruit within two years from seed and reaches peak production in 3 - 4 years. Trees are, however, short-lived and start to degenerate after about 8 years. This species could be a valuable source of gene material for qualities such as nematode resistance, root rot resistance, fragrance, flavour, colour and yield. Plants have a shallow spreading root system and resent surface hoeing, they are best given a good mulch. Plants usually ripe their fruit over a period of time, though pruning methods can be used to produce a peak time of fruiting. The leaves have a pungent smell. Plants are subject to attacks by red spider mites.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 4 weeks at 15°c, within 2 weeks at 25°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of greenwood in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The unripe fruit is slightly toxic.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. cajanumensis.