Lycopersicum esculentum

The name Lycopersicum esculentum is a synonym of Solanum lycopersicum, the tomato, a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) native to the Andean region (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile), later domesticated in Mexico before being introduced to Europe in the 16th century. It is an annual or short-lived perennial herb with sprawling or semi-erect stems, compound leaves and small yellow flowers. It produces fleshy fruits, the tomatoes, variable in shape and colour depending on the variety, ripening from green to red. It is grown in full sun on rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, with staking for climbing varieties.