tree tomato or tamarillo, Cyphomandra betacea, a fruit which resembles the tomato, but grows in bushes at high altitudes in tropical and subtropical zones. The plant was first cultivated by Peruvian Indians, but is now found elsewhere, e.g. India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, New Zealand, and California.
The fruits, 5–6 cm (2") long, with a smooth reddish-yellow skin, are borne in clusters of three or more. The succulent red or yellow pulp surrounds black seeds. The flavour is rich and sweet, allayed by some acidity. The fruits are eaten fresh; or stewed; or made into jam, preserves, or pickles, in much the same way as tomatoes. In Réunion, for example, they take the place of tomatoes for many purposes when the latter are out of season.