Solanum lycopersicum - Flora of Qatar

Solanum lycopersicum L.

Synonyms

Lycopersicon cerasiforme, Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon galenii, Lycopersicon humboldtii, Lycopersicon lycopersicum, Lycopersicon macrophyllum, Lycopersicon philippinarum, Lycopersicon pomumamoris, Lycopersicon pyriforme, Lycopersicon spurium, Solanum humboldtii, Solanum luridum, Solanum pomiferum, Solanum pruniforme, Solanum pseudolycopersicum, Solanum racemigerum, Solanum spurium

Common names

Solanum esculentum, tomato plant

Extract from Wikipedia article

The tomato is the edible, often red fruit/berry of the nightshade Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as a tomato plant. The species originated in the South American Andes and its use as a food originated in Mexico, and spread throughout the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Its many varieties are now widely grown, sometimes in greenhouses in cooler climates.[+]

The tomato is consumed in diverse ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces, salads, and drinks. While it is botanically a fruit, it is considered a vegetable for culinary purposes (as well as under U.S. customs regulations, see Nix v. Hedden), which has caused some confusion. The fruit is rich in lycopene, which may have beneficial health effects.

The tomato belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. The plants typically grow to 1–3 meters (3–10 ft) in height and have a weak stem that often sprawls over the ground and vines over other plants. It is a perennial in its native habitat, although often grown outdoors in temperate climates as an annual. An average common tomato weighs approximately 100 grams (4 oz).