It is the fruit of a plant native to [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], ''Lycopersicon esculentum'', a member of the [[nightshade]] family, [[Solanaceae]]. The confusion about 'fruit' and 'vegetable' arises because of the differences in usage between scientists and cooks. Scientifically speaking, a tomato is definitely a fruit. True fruits are developed from the ovary in the base of the flower, and contain the seeds of the plant (though cultivated forms may be seedless)." [http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutother/tomato]</ref> The fruit itself grows in clusters on the [[plant]]. | It is the fruit of a plant native to [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], ''Lycopersicon esculentum'', a member of the [[nightshade]] family, [[Solanaceae]]. The confusion about 'fruit' and 'vegetable' arises because of the differences in usage between scientists and cooks. Scientifically speaking, a tomato is definitely a fruit. True fruits are developed from the ovary in the base of the flower, and contain the seeds of the plant (though cultivated forms may be seedless)." [http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutother/tomato]</ref> The fruit itself grows in clusters on the [[plant]]. |