Tamarillo is the marketing name for Tree Tomato, or Mgogwe in Swahili.
The species originates from the Andes in Peru and in now grown in warmer part of temperate climates and in the tropics where there is adequate rainfall. It prefers deeper, richer soils and starts bearing fruit after two years, optimum production after 4 years and the tree lives to about 12 years.
It is a member of the same family as potato and the poisonous nightshade.
Description: A large evergreen shrub of small tree to 3m and umbrella like branching. Bark is grey brown when older with rounded leaf scars, while the young bark/stems are shiny green. Leaves are alternate, long stalked, large and heart shaped - 30 x 40cm. Soft and hairy, drooping in the heat of the day. Flowers are fragrant and hang in groups on older stems. Each flower is five-lobed, whitish pink with a darker stripe. Fruit are in bunches, egg shaped >7cm long on a longish stem. Skin is shiny and ripe fruits are red but some varieties are striped or even yellow.
Uses: Food - the fruit are high in vitamin value, tart and sweeten well with sugar. Eaten raw or cooked.
Propagation: There are around 100 000 seeds per kg, can be stored and have >60% viability.
Sow seeds directly into pots and out-planting can be carried out after six months.
I used to use Tamarillo trees as shade shelter in my tree nursery which proved very effective. I did had some difficulty with monkeys robbing the fruit - and they really liked them. They would rush in - even if I was working in the nursery - tipping pots over in their charge for the fruit.
I would highly recommend the tree for planting in Tanzania but sourcing seed might be difficult.
