Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo)

Botanical name

Cyphomandra betacea

Other names

Tamarillo, Tree tomato

Genus

Cyphomandra Cyphomandra

Species

C. betacea - C. betacea is a tender perennial shrub with succulent, sweet, edible red fruits in summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Flowers have a delicate fragrance.

Habit

Bushy, Climbing, Upright

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Colour

Flower

Purple in Spring; Green, Flushed pink in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Mealybugs , Red spider mite (box and other) , Scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Prune newly planted plants to encourage branching. Prune back branches that have already fruited and to induce ample new shoots close to the main branches. Fruit is produced on new growth.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 2m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, Containers, Flavouring food and drinks, Indoor, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Grow under well-ventilated glass in loam-based compost in full sunlight. Do not water during winter. Begin watering in late spring. Feed every three weeks during summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Soil type

Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1)

USDA zones

Zone 10

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo)

Common pest name

; Black wood of grapevine; Female sterility of tobacco; Fruit woodiness of tomato; Maize Redness; Mal azul of tomato; Metabolbur; Metastolbur; Parastolbur; Purple top of potato; Stolbur of potato; Stolbur of tobacco; Stolbur of tomato

Scientific pest name

Candidatus Phytoplasma solani

Type

Phytoplasma

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Phytoplasma which potentially affects a wide host range; determined by the feeding behaviour of vectors. First UK outbreak in 2014; on strawberry; a host not specifically regulated in EU legislation. This legislation should be reviewed to take account of this and other developments.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Xiphinema bakeri

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode pest; could potentially affect trees and other species if introduced but many pathways regulated. No evidence of interceptions or findings to date.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/