20 Seeds w/Instructions
The Morelle de Balbis, or Litchi tomato, has been grown as an ornamental curiosity in American gardens since the 19th century, but only recently has it gained attention as a novel-tasting food. Its dark red cherry-size berries, with the distinctive flavor of sour cherries and a hint of tomato, can be used in a wide variety of culinary applications — from fruit tarts, preserves, jams and sauces, to sorbets and wine. Easy to grow and frost resistant.
Large plants grow to 5', and are covered with thorns; sweet red fruit and large white flowers. Because the plant itself is covered with thorns, it is sometimes used as a hedge plant to discourage animals from wandering into vegetable gardens.
Because the plant is in the nightshade family, and a close relative of both the tomato and potato, its fluffy white flowers resemble potato or eggplant flowers, though they are more profuse and striking. The fruit forms inside a husk like a tomatillo or ground-cherry; then, as the fruit ripens, the husk bursts open. The fruit is ripe enough to eat when it can be removed easily from the stem; if you have to pull hard, it’s not ready. Zone 6-11.
Other Names: Solanum balbisi, Solanum decurrens, Solanum edule, Solanum formosum and Solanum viscosum, vila vila, sticky nightshade, red buffalo-bur, the fire-and-ice plant, hell plant, Morelle de Balbis
