Annual herb up to 90 cm tall, branched. Leaves imparipinnate, basally lyrate, up to 40 cm long; lobes ovate-lanceolate. Calyx lobes 5-6 mm long, triangular-acuminate, enlarging in fruit. Corolla limb 15-20 mm broad; lobes 5(-6), trianglar-acute; minutely ciliate. Berry globose, depressed-globose to pyriform, lobed, up to 8 cm broad, juicy, brick-red, red to yellowish in colour.

Fl. Per.: July-October.

Type: Described from cultivated material of unknown origin.

Distribution: Native to C. & S. America.

The ‘tomato’ is widely cultivated and ranks perhaps only second to the potato in food production worldwide. Several varieties are known. Eaten both raw or cooked. A source of vitamin C.