TOMATO TREE 
(Cyphomandra Betacea) 
A most interesting plant specimen grown in a large 
flower pot in the home, greenhouse, or may be per- 
manently set outdoors in the extreme southern 
states. Starting the plants from seed is very sim- 
ple. Soak seeds in warm water for a day, then 
sow in a flower pot as shown at lower right photo- 
graph, and place a fruit jar or similar glass bowl 
over the seed area. This gives a sort of a jungle 
moist heat so necessary for germination. Seed- 
lings may be transplanted to other pots after reach- 
ing about three inches in height. 
Choice of Three Strains— 
“RED”—The common standard 
strain. Medium size, purplish- 
red fruit, black seeds, acid 
flavor. 
“GOLDEN GEM”—A new hy-. 
brid recently developed. Beautiful golden red fruits 
mild flavor, light colored seeds. 
“YELLOW”—Mild flavored, yellow flesh, light colored 
seeds. 
Postpaid: 25 seeds of any of the above strains 50c. No mixed packets or 
sold less than 25 seeds per packet of any strain. Cultural instructions in- 
cluded with each packet. 
ITS HISTORY 
This sub-tropical shrub of the Solanaceae or tomato family, originally was 
discovered growing wild in Brazil and Peru, South America. About 40 years 
ago seeds were taken to New Zealand, where it was developed into a very 
important crop. It is estimated there are about 170 acres now being grown 
there. The Tomato Tree grows about 12 feet high with large elephant-ear- 
like leaves. Plants started in the nursery from seed bear lightly at the end 
of the first year and much heavier the second year. Bearing life is about 
12 years, although they have been noted to produce for 20 years. Few 
diseases ever affect the tree, limited mostly to cucumber mosaic and Tomato 
Tree mosaic, both of which are virus diseases. The trees are pruned and 
trained similar to other orchard fruit culture. Cuttings can be taken and 
re-rooted. Ripening in New Zealand from late April to early November, the 
Tomato Tree has a very long fruiting season. The plum-shaped fruits hang 
in clusters. Very firm flesh and tough skin allow long distance shipping 
without bruising. The fruits are very versatile for they can be used in salads 
and savory dishes, as a vegetable and delicious for desserts. The skin is 
unpalatable and may be easily removed by immersing in boiling water for a 
few minutes and then peeled. The fruits bring high prices on New Zealand 
markets. The Tomato Tree makes a very interesting exhibition specimen 
for the greenhouse or may be started in the house in a large flower pot like 
a lemon or orange tree. Many areas in the extreme southern states are 
adapted to commercial propagation. The trees can withstand only a very 
light frost and must be grown in frost-free climates or be amply protected. 
