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Common Name:

General Information

Cyphomandra hartwegii is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 2.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

The unripe fruit is slightly toxic.

Botanical References

Range

Western S. America.

Habitat

Disturbed areas and forests from sea level to 2000 metres.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Resembling a tomato in flavour and size, it is used as a tomato substitute in cooking[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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[].