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Why Do Names Matter?
Why Do Names Matter?
When it comes to any classification, names are important as they distinguish one kind of species from another. In the instance of this project, simply stating the plant as 'tomato' would lack specificity and prevent the viewer from understanding what type of tomato is important. This is why not only the general name, but the scientific name is important, because it separates one specific type from the general genus and family. The type of tomato that is important to my family is called the cherry tomato or the Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme. It has been grown by my father and my grandpa for years, and is usually a part of our family meals.
Scientific Classification
Scientific Classification
Scientific name: Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Solanales
My Personal Connection
My Personal Connection
Cherry tomatoes have always been a big deal in my family. My dad and grandpa grow them every year, and they’ve kind of become this special thing we all share. When I around 8 we grew them at our farm, which my cousins and I no longer frequent as much since we are far busier, but back when we would visit all the time, cherry tomatoes were one of our favorite things to pick. My cousins and I would go out and gather all the delicious fruits and veggies growing, but by far our favorite thing to pick (and snag a few to eat) was the cherry tomatoes. Outside of the farm, at my house my dad would always be super focused on his plants, specifically his cherry tomatoes. He would pick them for family salads weekly, and we would distribute them to my other family members. At one point, he even set up a hydroponic system in our basement that we ended up using for a few years, and we grew some cherry tomatoes using that too. But I always preferred the ones grown outside with real sunlight to the ones from the hydroponic system. My grandpa did the same thing and still does. Whenever I visit his house he offers me a handful of freshly picked cherry tomatoes to eat. I think it is this sense of family that has led cherry tomatoes to have such a profound impact on my life. To me, cherry tomatoes are one of the best tasting foods out there, and anyone who disagrees is wrong.
Native or Not?
Native or Not?
Although they are commonly found all throughout Missouri and North America, they are actually not native to these regions. They are speculated to have originated in the Andes Mountains of South America. These original tomato variants were pea-sized and grew in clusters. Now these plants can be found almost everywhere and are a common addition to many meals!
Fun Facts & Importance
Fun Facts & Importance
Tomatoes used to be called "Golden Apple"
Tomato seedlings have been grown in space before!
They're named Cherry Tomatoes because they are the size and shape of cherries
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