592 BOTANY OF CROP PLANTS 



(var. grandifolium) , of which the Mikado may be taken as a 

 type, is distinguished from the other varieties by its large 

 leaves with only a few (normally two) pairs of leaflets. 



Closely Related Forms. — The husk tomato {Phymlis pubescens) and the 

 strawberry tomato {Physalis pubescens and P. alkekengi) are distinguished 

 from Lycopersicum spp. in that the calyx becomes enlarged, inflated, and en- 

 tirely covers the srtiall berry. The fruit is esteemed by some for preserving, 

 or making pies, or for eating raw. 



The tree tomato {Cyphomandra betacea), a tropical plant, has a fruit similar 

 in taste, at least, to that of the common tomato. This plant also belongs to 

 the SolanaCeae, but may be distinguished from Lycopersicum by its woody 

 habit of growth. 



History. — The tomato is still fomid in the wild state in 

 South America. The Spanish explorers carried the fruit to 

 southern Europe where it was used as a food long before it was 

 eaten by the people of northern Europe. It was early known 

 in England and America as the ''Love Apple." A prejudice 

 against the tomato existed for a long time, no doubt due to 

 its alliance with the nightshades. Now, however, it is 

 a favored article of diet, and from 500,000 to 600,000 acres 

 are devoted to its growth annually in the United States and 

 there are as many as 175 different varieties offered by seeds- 

 men. 



Uses. — Tomatoes are commonly used, fresh or canned, as 

 a table vegetable. Large quantities are made into catsup. 

 Such varieties as Red Plum, Yellow Plum, Red Pear-shaped, 

 Red Cherry, and Burbank's Preserving are used quite ex- 

 tensively for pickling. 



CAPSICUM ANNUUM (Peppers) 



Description. — This species is either an annual or biennial 

 herb, 2 to 5 feet tall, and sometimes partly woody at the base. 

 In temperate- regions, the plant is cultivated as an annual, 

 while in warmer climates it is often biennial. The leaves are 



