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Uses

Toxic parts

The unripe fruit is slightly toxic.

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked. Somewhat acid, the fruit is juicy and resembles a tree tomato in flavour[1].

Fruit

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Cyphomandra fragrans.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Cyphomandra fragrans.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 4 weeks at 15°c[K], within 2 weeks at 25°c[2]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of greenwood in a frame[3].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Cyphomandra fragrans. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil[1]. Prefers a light fertile soil[1]. Dislikes drought[1]. Plants are very prone to wind damage[1]. Plants fruit best with cool temperatures in the growing season[1].

This species is probably not hardy in Britain, but it is hardier than the related tree tomato (C. betacea) and it should be possible to grow it outdoors in the summer and bring it into a warmer place for the winter. Plants are probably insensitive to day-length[1]. Very fast growing, it starts to fruit within two years from seed and reaches peak production in 3 - 4 years[1]. Trees are, however, short-lived and start to degenerate after about 8 years[1]. This species has a greater tolerance to powdery mildew than the tree tomato and a smaller more robust stature[1]. Plants have a shallow spreading root system and resent surface hoeing, they are best given a good mulch[1]. Plants usually ripe their fruit over a period of time, though pruning methods can be used to produce a peak time of fruiting[1]. The leaves have a pungent smell[1].

Plants are subject to attacks by red spider mites.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Cyphomandra fragrans. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Cyphomandra fragrans.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Cyphomandra fragrans
Genus
Cyphomandra
Family
Solanaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
9
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    2 x meters
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type












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