Tomato Name

The tomato is one of those plants whose botanical name recently changed (see the blog Why do Plant Names Change?). It used to be known as Lycopersicon esculentum, but its official botanical name is now Solanum lycopersicum. That brings it in line with several of its close relatives, including the potato (S. tuberosum) and the eggplant (S. melongena).

3 comments on “Tomato Name

  1. Pingback: The World’s Smallest Tomato Plant – Laidback Gardener

  2. Tricia in the UK

    Thanks Larry. Studying for horticultural exams & wondered why I had no consistency on the name! Now I know.

  3. Pingback: The Tall and Short of Tomatoes | Laidback Gardener

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