Jaltomata

Jaltomata
Jaltomata procumbens flower
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Subfamily: Solanoideae
Tribe: Solaneae
Genus: Jaltomata
Schltdl.

Jaltomata is a genus of plants in the family Solanaceae. According to molecular phylogenies, Jaltomata is the sister genus to Solanum, which includes tomato, potato, and eggplant.[1] Jaltomata has a neotropical distribution, in that species occur from the United States southwest through Latin America, and into the Andean region of South America. Species encompass a wide range of vegetative and reproductive trait variation, including growth habit (trailing herbs, erect herbs, and woody shrubs), floral size, shape and color, as well as fruit size and color. The fruits of some of the species are eaten by humans in Latin and South America. Depending on the species, fruits may be red, green, orange, or dark purple.[2]

Etymology

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The name comes from xāltomatl, lit. "sand tomato", the Nahuatl (Aztec) name for the species Jaltomata procumbens (earlier Saracha jaltomata).[3] The Nahuatl X is pronounced like an English SH, but when borrowed into Mexican Spanish and spelled J, the pronunciation is like an English H. Both Mexican and US American botanists pronounce the J this way.

Species

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Currently accepted species:[2][4]

References

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  1. ^ Olmstead, RW et al. 2008. A molecular phylogeny of the Solanaceae. Taxon 57(4): 1159–1181
  2. ^ a b Jaltomata Schlechtendal (Solanaceae), Thomas Mione, Central Connecticut State University
  3. ^ xaltomatl Online Nahuatl Dictionary, Stephanie Wood, editor.
  4. ^ The Plant List
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