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Cyphomandra fragrans - (Hook.)Sendtn.

Common Name
Family Solanaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards The unripe fruit is slightly toxic.
Habitats Not known
Range S. America.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Cyphomandra fragrans


Cyphomandra fragrans

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Cyphomandra fragrans is an evergreen Tree growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked. Somewhat acid, the fruit is juicy and resembles a tree tomato in flavour[196].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil[196]. Prefers a light fertile soil[196]. Dislikes drought[196]. Plants are very prone to wind damage[196]. Plants fruit best with cool temperatures in the growing season[196]. This species is probably not hardy in Britain, but it is hardier than the related tree tomato (C. betacea) and it should be possible to grow it outdoors in the summer and bring it into a warmer place for the winter. Plants are probably insensitive to day-length[196]. Very fast growing, it starts to fruit within two years from seed and reaches peak production in 3 - 4 years[196]. Trees are, however, short-lived and start to degenerate after about 8 years[196]. This species has a greater tolerance to powdery mildew than the tree tomato and a smaller more robust stature[196]. Plants have a shallow spreading root system and resent surface hoeing, they are best given a good mulch[196]. Plants usually ripe their fruit over a period of time, though pruning methods can be used to produce a peak time of fruiting[196]. The leaves have a pungent smell[196]. Plants are subject to attacks by red spider mites.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 4 weeks at 15°c[K], within 2 weeks at 25°c[164]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of greenwood in a frame[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Brazil (Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo), Argentina (Misiones), Paraguay (Alto Paraná)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Cyphomandra betaceaTree TomatoTree5.0 8-11 FLMHNM30 
Cyphomandra casanaCasanaTree2.0 8-11 FLMHNM30 
Cyphomandra hartwegiiHartweg's cyphomandra,CalylophusTree2.0 8-11 FLMHNM30 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Hook.)Sendtn.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Marilyn Collins-Dawson   Wed Feb 28 2007

we have heard that small amounts of the pollen of this plant may cause very accute pain in the eyes. Do you have any comment on this please as one of our family did experience such pain and suspects this is the reason.

Ken Fern, Plants for a Future   Mon Mar 5 2007

Having trawled the web, I can find no information on the pollen causing severe eye irritation. Obviously, getting dust, or pollen, in the eye can be very uncomfortable, but is there a chance that substances in the pollen are adding to this discomfort? I would be interested to hear if any one who reads this has any more information.

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Subject : Cyphomandra fragrans  
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