Solanum lycopersicum – Tomato

Explore Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Solanum lycopersicum | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Tomato

Family: Solanaceae

Appearance: A sprawling, vining plant with soft, hairy stems and compound leaves. Produces clusters of small yellow flowers followed by fleshy, often red berries (the tomato fruits), though they may also be orange, yellow, pink, purple, or green depending on the variety.

Type: Annual or short-lived perennial (grown as annual in temperate climates)

Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous (frost-sensitive)

Layer: Herbaceous / Vine

Root System: Fibrous root system with strong lateral development; develops adventitious roots from stem when in contact with soil

Height: 0.3–2.5 meters depending on variety and support

Width: Sprawling or climbing habit depending on pruning

Lifespan: Annual in most climates; perennial in frost-free zones

Growth Rate: Fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Primarily wind- and self-pollinated; bees (especially bumblebees) can assist via buzz pollination

Toxicity: Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine; can be toxic if consumed in large amounts

Solanum lycopersicum | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Western South America

• Companionship: Compatible with basil, marigold, onion, carrot, lettuce, garlic; avoid planting near potatoes and fennel

• Invasive Range: Not considered invasive

• USDA Hardiness Zone: Grown annually in zones 2–10; perennial in zones 10–12

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: None

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: Low tolerance (prefers fertile conditions)

• Drought: Low to moderate tolerance (requires regular watering)

• Shade: Low tolerance (requires full sun)

• Flood: Low tolerance

• Wind: Moderate tolerance (requires staking or support in exposed areas)

• Maritime: Moderate tolerance

• Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

• Fire: Not fire-adapted

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily)

• Soil Moisture: Consistently moist, not waterlogged

• Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy, fertile soil

• Soil PH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Propagation

• Seeds: Common and reliable; sow indoors in cooler climates and transplant after frost

• Cuttings: Possible with soft stem cuttings placed in moist soil

Solanum lycopersicum | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Fruit widely consumed raw or cooked; leaves not edible due to solanine content

Medicinal: Lycopene-rich fruits have antioxidant properties; studied for cardiovascular and skin health benefits

Cosmetics: Lycopene occasionally used in skincare for antioxidant purposes

Animal Feed: Overripe or damaged fruits can be fed to livestock in small quantities

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Not applicable

Firewood: Not applicable

Wind Break: Not suitable

Fence: Not suitable

Cover Crop: Not typically used as cover crop

Mulch: Not used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees, especially for buzz pollination

Pest Repellent: No

Wildlife Supporter: Offers fruit for birds and small mammals; flowers support native pollinators

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