Forest Tamarillo (Solanum sibundoyense) 2L Pot

Solanum sibundoyense is a Colombian cloud forest fruit tree related to the cultivated Tamarillo.

Forest Tamarillo develops an upright, branching habit with large green leaves. Mature plants produce clusters of pale flowers followed by oval or rounded fruit that ripens to yellow-orange or orange.

The fruit is generally larger than that of many cultivated Tamarillos. The pulp can vary from sweet and juicy to sharp or acidic, depending on the individual seed-grown plant.

This species originates from the cloud forests of southern Colombia and is rarely cultivated in the UK.

In the UK, Forest Tamarillo is best grown in a greenhouse, conservatory or large container that can be protected from frost during winter.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Solanum sibundoyense
Synonym: Cyphomandra sibundoyensis
Common names: Forest Tamarillo, Wild Tree Tomato, Tomate Silvestre
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Fast-growing subtropical shrub or tree
Potential height: Approximately 2–4 metres in a large container, but potentially larger under suitable conditions
Foliage: Large green leaves
Flowers: Clusters of small pale flowers
Fruit: Oval or rounded fruit ripening to yellow-orange or orange
Position: Bright partial shade or filtered sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, conservatories and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Forest Tamarillo in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost. Move the plant into progressively larger containers as it develops.

Keep the compost consistently moist during active growth but do not leave the pot standing in water.

Place the plant in a bright and sheltered position protected from strong winds. Its large leaves and relatively soft branches can be damaged in exposed conditions.

As a cloud forest species, Forest Tamarillo may perform better in bright partial shade than in intense summer greenhouse sun. Provide ventilation and protection from excessive heat.

Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Change to a high-potassium feed once flowering begins.

Overwinter in a bright, frost-free greenhouse or conservatory. Keeping young plants above approximately 10°C is recommended.

Reduce watering during winter while ensuring that the root ball does not dry out completely.

Fruiting in the UK

Forest Tamarillo requires plant maturity, sufficient warmth, good light and successful pollination before fruit can develop.

It may take several years for seed-grown plants to reach flowering size. Fruiting is possible under greenhouse or conservatory conditions but cannot be guaranteed in the UK.

The fruit can take a long time to ripen, and flavour may vary considerably between individual seedlings.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one Forest Tamarillo plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plant height, leaf size and branching will vary naturally depending on age and growing conditions.

Important Information

Forest Tamarillo is a separate species from the cultivated Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum.

These plants are grown from seed. Future fruit size, colour, flavour and sweetness cannot be guaranteed.

Do not eat the leaves, stems, flowers or unripe fruit. Only fully ripe fruit pulp should be considered for consumption.

Keep the plant away from children and pets that may chew the foliage.