How to identify Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Tomato, also known as Tomato plant
Tomato presents an erect or ascending growth habit, featuring light to dark green stems that range from 3 to 10 feet (91 to 305 cm) in height and 1 to 4 feet (30 to 122 cm) in width. These stems are adorned with conspicuous glandular hairs that impart a sticky texture. The leaves of tomato are alternate, compound, and densely hairy, spanning 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm) in length with 5 to 9 leaflets, each leaflet approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) long and displaying serrated edges. The flowers are distinctive, small, and star-shaped, with a yellow hue and five lobes. The fruit is an edible berry that varies widely in size, shape, and color, according to the specific variety or cultivar.
Lifespan: Annual, Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Sticky glandular hairs on stems
Compound leaves with serrated edges
Distinctive star-shaped yellow flowers
Colorful glossy berries with fuzzy seeds
Alternate velvety leaves with pungent aroma
The leaves of tomato are alternate and measure 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm) in length. Each leaf has 5 to 9 leaflets, each about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. They are ovate to lanceolate in shape with a cordate or cuneate base, featuring serrated or toothed margins. The surface is velvety, densely hairy, and strongly aromatic. Leaves are deeply lobed, with 2-8 pairs of ovate to oblong leaflets, and have a petiole length of 1.2 to 7 cm (0.5 to 2.8 inches).
The flowers of tomato are vivid yellow, star-shaped blooms with five recurved petals, arranged in clusters of 3 to 12. Measuring approximately 0.4-1 cm (0.16-0.39 inches) in length, these bisexual, self-fertile flowers exhibit stamens partially fused to the pistils. The anthers form a cone-like structure encircling the stigma. Borne in inflorescence on axillary buds and hanging downwards, they are odorless and bloom throughout the growing season.
The stems of tomato are tender and range in color from light to dark green. They possess a sticky, hairy texture and can vary between erect and sprawling growth forms. The branches are notably covered in fine hairs, which contribute to their somewhat sticky nature. Tomato's stems are generally thin but robust, allowing for notable flexibility and adaptation to different growing conditions. This combination of features is key for identifying the plant's stem.
The fruit of tomato is characterized as a glossy, smooth berry varying in size, typically between 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) in diameter. Upon maturity, the skin exhibits a vivid color transformation from green to hues of red, yellow, orange, purple, or pink. Encapsulated within, it harbors over 100 yellowish to light brown, kidney-shaped seeds embedded in juicy pulp. The seeds are adorned with a delicate fuzz of long, soft hairs, each measuring approximately 0.2-0.3 mm (0.008-0.012 inches) in length, adding a subtle textural contrast to the pulp.
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Scientific Classification of Tomato
