Cyphomandra fragrans
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
Cyphomandra fragrans 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
Not known
S. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. Somewhat acid, the fruit is juicy and resembles a tree tomato in flavour.
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 it is hardier than the related tree tomato (C. betacea) and it should 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 has a greater tolerance to powdery mildew than the tree tomato and a smaller more robust stature. 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.