DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS 



377 



and large crops are produced in some localities, the best seed 

 tubers come from the cool regions (Fig. 217). 



The tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum} is another contri- 

 bution of the New World. The plants and flowers are very 

 similar to those of the potato, but in this case we use the fruits 

 instead of the tubers. It is a native of Central and South 

 America and was introduced into Europe by the Spaniards. It 



FIG. 219. Tomatoes. 



came into prominence as a food plant about 1840 and there are 

 now great numbers of varieties (Figs. 218, 219). 



The red pepper (Capsicum annuum) (Fig. 220), Cayenne 

 pepper (C. fastigiatum and C. frutescens) and other species are 

 also American products which were introduced into Europe by 

 the Spaniards. Both the plant as a whole and the flower are 

 somewhat different from the potato and tomato, but the relation- 

 ship is very evident. 



(These plants must not be confused with the black pepper, 

 Piper nigrum, of the family Piperacece, which is an Asi- 

 atic plant). 



