Cyphomandra betacea, widely known as the tamarillo or tree tomato, is a fast-growing, evergreen to semi-evergreen small tree native to the Andean regions of South America and celebrated for both its ornamental value and its distinctive, tangy-sweet fruit. Typically maturing to about 10–18 feet (3–5.5 m) with a broad, somewhat sparse canopy, it features large, soft, heart-shaped leaves that give the plant a lush, tropical appearance. The tree produces clusters of star-shaped, pale pink to lavender-white flowers throughout the warmer seasons, attracting bees and other pollinators; these blooms develop into hanging bunches of smooth, glossy, egg-shaped fruits that range in color from deep red and rich purple to orange, golden yellow, or bi-colored depending on the cultivar. The fruit’s vividly colored skin encloses a juicy, aromatic pulp with a complex flavor profile—tart, sweet, and slightly resinous—surrounding numerous small, edible seeds. Valued for its rapid development, often bearing fruit within its first two years, Cyphomandra betacea thrives in mild, frost-free climates, preferring fertile, well-drained soils, moderate humidity, and consistent watering. Cultivation is relatively straightforward, making it popular in home gardens and small orchards where its bold foliage, decorative fruit clusters, and culinary versatility—ranging from fresh eating to chutneys, sauces, preserves, and savory dishes—make it a standout species in subtropical and tropical horticulture.