Jaltomate
Jaltomata procumbens

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 30-120 cm tall. It is spreading or trailing. From a single root it forms several shoots. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and 20 cm long. They are dark green. The flowers are disk shaped and pale yellow to green with dark green spots towards the centre. The fruit are about 1-2 cm across. They are dark purple and round. The have a scent resembling grapes.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs a well drained soil and sunny position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Belize, Bolivia, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Peru, South America (country/location of origin), USA, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw. They are also used as a potherb or cooked with eggs. The fruit are eaten raw, cooked or dried. They can be used for jam. The roots are eaten raw, boiled, broiled (grilling) or with radishes.

They are sold in local markets. The fruit are appreciated locally.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, roots

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. Seeds germinate in 1-6 weeks.

Plants grown from seed can fruit in 2 months.

Its other names

Local names

Acahualera, Apepisco negro, Chaltotongo, Cojudo, Creeping false holly, Equelite, Furi furica, Hierba mora, Tomate de milpa, Tomatillo, Tompis, Turisi, Uva de monte, Xaxalto, Yana pukuna

Synonyms

Atropa procumbens Cav.; Saracha jaltomata Schltdl.; Saracha procumbens (Cav.) Ruiz & Pav.; amd others