Tomato Solanum lycopersicum 'Cocktail Crush'

Names

• Family

  Solanaceae.

• Synonyms

  Tomato, Cherry Tomato.

• Common names

  Solanum lycopersicum

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name of Solanum lycopersicum 'Cocktail Crush' is tomato. Tomatoes are generally considered non-toxic to humans when ripe and consumed in moderation. However, unripe tomatoes and tomato plants contain solanine, a substance that can be toxic in large quantities. Solanine poisoning can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In very rare cases and with significant ingestion, it could lead to more severe symptoms like dizziness, headache, and in extreme circumstances, respiratory problems, or even coma. Nevertheless, poisoning from consuming ripe tomatoes or parts of the tomato plant is uncommon in humans.

• To pets

  The common name of Solanum lycopersicum 'Cocktail Crush' is tomato. While the ripe tomato fruit is generally regarded as safe for pets in small quantities, the green parts of the tomato plant — the stem and leaves — contain solanine and tomatine, which can be harmful to pets if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, confusion, an increased heart rate, and in severe cases, tremors or seizures. It is important for pet owners to keep pets away from tomato plants to prevent the possibility of solanine or tomatine poisoning.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  3-4 feet (91-122 cm)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (61-91 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  9

• Native area

  South America

General Benefits

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene.
• Home Gardening: Suitable for home gardens and can be grown in pots or containers for urban gardening.
• Culinary Versatility: The fruits can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sauces.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The plant offers ornamental value with its clusters of small, round fruits.
• Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
• Easy to Grow: It’s a hardy plant suitable for gardeners of all levels, including beginners.

Medical Properties

• Lycopene Content: Tomato plants, including Solanum lycopersicum, are known for their high lycopene content, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancers.
• Vitamin C: Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C which is essential for the immune system and for skin health.
• Potassium: High in potassium, tomatoes can contribute to heart health and help regulate blood pressure.
• Folate: Contains folate which is important for pregnant women and contributes to overall health.
• Dietary Fiber: Tomatoes provide dietary fiber which aids in digestion and might contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Tomato plants like Solanum lycopersicum 'Cocktail Crush' can be used in companion planting to protect other crops from insects or to enhance their growth, such as planting them next to basil to help repel flies and mosquitoes.
• The acidity of tomatoes can be a natural deodorizer; rubbing tomato juice on surfaces can help neutralize unpleasant odors.
• A broken tomato stem can be used as a natural pest deterrent due to its strong scent which can discourage certain garden pests.
• Tomatoes can be used in educational activities for children, teaching them about the process of plant growth, photosynthesis, and the lifecycle of plants.
• When tomatoes are overly ripe and unfit for consumption, they can be added to a compost pile to enrich the soil as they break down due to their nutrient content.
• Gardeners sometimes plant tomato plants like Solanum lycopersicum to provide support for climbing plants that benefit from the structure provided by tomato cages or stakes.
• Creating a tomato ink or dye from the juice of overripe tomatoes is a unique way to use the natural pigments for art projects or fabric coloring.
• Macerated tomatoes can be used to refresh copper cookware by dipping a cloth in the tomato and salt mixture and scrubbing to remove tarnish.
• Green, unripe tomatoes can be used to create pickles or chutneys, providing an interesting twist to traditional recipes.
• The leaves and stem of the tomato plant can be boiled to create a natural insecticide spray due to the presence of solanine, a substance that can be toxic to insects.

Feng Shui

The tomato plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The tomato plant is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love and Passion: As the common name of Solanum lycopersicum 'Cocktail Crush' is tomato, tomatoes symbolize love and passion due to their red color and because they were historically considered an aphrodisiac.
• Fertility: Tomatoes are also associated with fertility, reflecting the fruit's plentiful seeds and the plant's prolific production.
• Good Health: Due to tomatoes being rich in vitamins and considered nutritious, they represent good health and vitality.
• Luck: In some cultures, tomatoes are thought to bring good luck, especially if grown at the front of the house.
• Protection: Folk beliefs sometimes regard tomatoes as having protective qualities, warding off negative influences in the environment where they are grown.