Lycopersicon
- noun
- /ˌlaɪkəˈpɜrsɪkən/
- Archaic
:
Lycopersicon
- For example, the red color of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruits is due to the carotenoid pigment lycopene, whose concentration increases dramatically during the ripening process.
Examples
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Many gardeners cultivate Lycopersicon species to enjoy fresh tomatoes during the summer months.
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The plant Lycopersicon is known for its edible fruits, which are commonly used in salads and sauces.
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Scientists study Lycopersicon varieties to improve resistance to pests and diseases in tomato crops.
Synonyms
A group of plants that once included the tomato but is now placed in Solanum
An old scientific name for tomatoes and similar plants now called Solanum
A group of flowering plants that includes the tomato and some wild relatives
Compounds
- Specialized
A small tomato plant that produces sweet red or yellow fruits
- Archaic
A group of plants that once included the tomato but is now placed in Solanum
Surface Forms
Etymology
Lycopersicon breaks into lyco- 'wolf' and -persicon 'peach', so it literally means 'wolf-peach'. It was an old scientific name for the tomato (now usually placed in the genus Solanum), and the wild 'wolf-peach' image helps you remember that this name once referred to tomatoes.
