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DESCRIPTIVE BOTANY. 



L. esculentum, Mill. (Tomato. WoK Peach.) Stem 2 to 5 feet high, 

 branching, or straggling over shrubbery, prostrate when not supported. 

 Leaves pinnately divided, alternate pairs of leaflets very small. Flowers in 

 raceme-like clusters, common flower-stalk about 2 inches long, forked ; sepals 

 5 to 10, linear-lanceolate, spreading ; anthers united, pointed, with the points 

 turned back. Fruit 1 to 5 inches in diameter, usually red, sometimes yel- 

 lowish. Flowers June to August. Fruit ripens August to September. 



The bruised leaves of the tomato emit a peculiar, disagreeable odor. Like 

 other plants that grow from seed, it sports freely, producing varieties that 

 differ mostly in size, shape, aTid quality of the fruit. Some of the larger fruit 

 is very irregular, with deep grooves and alternate ridges ; the favorites with 

 market-gardeners and amateurs are the medium-sized, smooth-fruited varieties. 



Some are very small, 

 from an inch to an inch 

 and a half in diameter, 

 and globular, called 

 plum and cherry toma- 

 toes ; others small, pear- 

 shaped. The last two 

 varieties are esteemed for 

 preserves and pickles. 



Geography. — It grows 

 and fruits well in all 

 southern Europe, espe- 

 cially in Italy and south- 

 ern France and Spain, 

 in Greece and northern 

 Africa. It has been 

 taken by Europeans to 

 the islands of soutliern 

 Asia and contiguous 

 parts of the continent ; 

 is fruited in England, 

 but under glass ; and is 

 an important crop in 

 eastern United States, especially in the southeastern part of Virginia and 

 the Carolinas, and is sent north as an early vegetable. 



Etymology. — Lycopersicum is derived from the Greek words Xvkos, a wolf, 

 and irepa-iKov, a peach. The application is not apparent. Esciilentum, the 

 specific name, is of Latin origin, signifying "eatable." Tomato, the common 

 name, is the native South or Central American name, carried to Europe by 

 the Spaniards-, its meaning is unknown. 



History. — It is native to South and Central America, and is supposed to 

 have been cultivated in Mexico at an ancient date. DeCandolle thinks it was 

 first found by Europeans under cultivation in Peru. It was taken to Europe 

 by the Spaniards, and introduced into the United States by Europeans ; it came 

 suddenly into pretty general use in the eastern United States after 1840, and 

 is now one of the most popular and important table vegetables of the country. 

 It is in very general use also in southern Europe. 



Use. — The tomato is used raw as a salad, cooked as a sauce with meats, 

 used to flavor gravies and soups, and is found very generally on the tables of 

 both rich and poor throughout the United States and Europe. 



Lycopersicum esculentum (Tomato). 



