The Litchi Tomato

The Litchi Tomato also known as Morelle de Balbis, or Fire and Ice plant is a edible Solanum.  What makes it special is that you can grow a small fruit, that mocks the taste of a fresh cherry in your own backyard.  This easy to grow plant is similar to growing a tomato plant.  The only difference is the unique prickles that cover the plant.  But don't be alarmed by the prickles they don't prick at all.  A matter of fact I get more pricks from  an okra plant or an eggplant than from a Litchi Tomato.  

The Litchi can grow rather quickly and has beautiful decorative leaves with a zig zag shape.  What also makes them so interesting is the paper-like delicate flowers that they display.  After , the flower is pollinated it formulates the fruit within a thorny husk.  Finally, when the fruit ripens it turns a bright red and is exposed from the thorny husk.

The fruit has an excellent flavor which is reminiscent of a tart cherry.  The fruit are quite prolific and almost cover the whole plant.  I've been growing litchi for at least 5 years and I am always impressed by the full beautiful display of fruit received in the fall.  

* If you are interested in purchasing Litchi Tomato Seeds please check out my etsy page at https://www.etsy.com/listing/106524825/fire-and-ice-plant?