Litchi Tomato (Solanum sisymbriifolium)

The unique Litchi Tomato shrub, also referred to as Morelle De Balbis or Vila-Vila, is a prickly, pest-resistant member of the Solanaceae family and is related to Tomatoes and Eggplants. Litchi Tomato plants can be grown as an annual or a perennial!

Originally from South America, the showy-white flowered, thorny wonders are surprisingly cold tolerant. They're best handled with gloves, as almost all of the plant comes armed with protective spines. The deep red Litchi Tomato blooms in May and grows small fruits encased in a spikey green husk and comes easily off its stem when ripe. The fruit’s interior holds juicy, sour yellow flesh reminiscent of tart cherries.

A fast and strong grower, there will be no lack of fruit to pick in no time!  Litchi Tomato is a very intriguing garden berry with superb creamy and mild cherry flavor. A totally unique fruit, it can be used in a variety of culinary creations - mock cherry pies to chutneys, jams, and even pickles!  Can easily be grown in the ground or in containers.