Tomato Species: Types, Origins & Key Varieties Explained

Tomato species primarily belong to the Solanum genus, with Solanum lycopersicum as the sole cultivated species. Thirteen wild tomato species exist, including Solanum pimpinellifolium (currant tomato), Solanum habrochaites, and Solanum peruvianum, which provide valuable genetic diversity for breeding disease-resistant and climate-adapted varieties. These species originated in western South America and evolved distinct characteristics through natural selection and human domestication.

Discover exactly which tomato species matter for your garden, research, or culinary pursuits. This guide delivers scientifically verified information about tomato taxonomy, evolutionary history, and practical applications—cutting through common misconceptions with evidence-based insights from botanical research.

Understanding Tomato Classification: Beyond Common Varieties

When gardeners and researchers search for "tomato species," they're often seeking the scientific foundation behind the thousands of tomato varieties available today. While Solanum lycopersicum represents the single domesticated species, understanding its wild relatives unlocks valuable traits for breeding and cultivation. These wild species contain genetic resources that help modern tomatoes resist diseases, adapt to climate challenges, and develop unique flavors.

Tomato Evolution: From Wild Plants to Global Staple

The journey of tomato species spans millennia, beginning in the Andean region of South America. Archaeological evidence from the Nanchoc site in northern Peru reveals early tomato domestication around 5000 BCE. Let's examine the key evolutionary milestones:

Time Period	Development	Scientific Evidence
7,000-5,000 BCE	Initial domestication in Peru/Ecuador	Starch grain analysis from Nanchoc archaeological site (Purdue University)
1500s	Introduction to Europe via Spanish explorers	Historical records from Spanish colonial archives
18th Century	Scientific classification by Carl Linnaeus	Original taxonomic descriptions in Systema Naturae
1990s-Present	Molecular phylogenetic studies redefine relationships	DNA sequencing research published in Nature Genetics

Key Tomato Species and Their Characteristics

The tomato clade contains 13 wild species and one domesticated species. Each possesses unique adaptations that interest breeders and researchers:

Solanum lycopersicum (Cultivated Tomato)

The only domesticated species, featuring larger fruits and reduced seed dormancy compared to wild relatives. Modern varieties derive from selective breeding of this species, which was reclassified from Lycopersicon esculentum to Solanum lycopersicum based on genetic evidence confirming its placement within the nightshade genus.

Solanum pimpinellifolium (Currant Tomato)

This wild species produces tiny, cherry-sized fruits and represents the closest genetic relative to cultivated tomatoes. Researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service utilize this species for introducing disease resistance traits into commercial varieties. Its high genetic diversity makes it particularly valuable for climate adaptation studies.

Solanum habrochaites (Hairy Tomato)

Known for its distinctive glandular hairs that produce compounds repelling insect pests, this species grows at higher elevations in the Andes. The University of California's tomato breeding program has successfully introgressed its pest resistance traits into cultivated varieties, reducing pesticide needs in commercial production.

Practical Applications for Gardeners and Researchers

Understanding tomato species isn't just academic—it directly impacts cultivation success and research directions. Different species exhibit specific environmental requirements that determine their suitability for various growing conditions:

Climate Adaptation Considerations

Wild tomato species evolved in specific ecological niches, creating important context boundaries for their use:

• Solanum pennellii: Thrives in arid coastal regions of Peru—ideal for drought tolerance research
• Solanum chmielewskii: Adapted to high-altitude Andean environments—valuable for cold tolerance studies
• Solanum neorickii: Grows in seasonal desert environments—source of heat tolerance genes

These ecological specializations mean that while cultivated tomatoes (S. lycopersicum) grow well in temperate climates with consistent moisture, their wild relatives often require specific conditions to express their valuable traits. Attempting to grow S. chmielewskii in lowland tropical conditions, for instance, typically yields poor results due to heat stress.

Current Research and Future Directions

Modern genomic studies continue revealing the complex relationships between tomato species. The Tomato Genome Consortium's sequencing of multiple wild species has identified thousands of genetic markers associated with desirable traits. Researchers at Cornell University's Boyce Thompson Institute are particularly focused on utilizing wild species to develop tomatoes with enhanced nutritional profiles and extended shelf life without compromising flavor.

One promising development involves the introgression of genes from Solanum habrochaites that produce acyl sugars, natural compounds that deter whiteflies and other pests. This research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrates how wild species can provide sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges.

Identifying Tomato Species: Practical Tips

For gardeners and researchers wanting to distinguish between tomato species, focus on these key morphological characteristics:

• Leaf structure: Wild species often have more deeply lobed or hairy leaves
• Flower morphology: Petal shape and stamen arrangement vary between species
• Fruit characteristics: Size, shape, color, and seed arrangement differ significantly
• Growth habit: Determinate vs. indeterminate patterns vary across species

When evaluating different tomato species for breeding or cultivation, always consider your specific environmental conditions and desired traits. The USDA's National Germplasm Resources Laboratory maintains extensive collections of tomato genetic resources available for research purposes.

How many tomato species exist in nature?

There are 13 recognized wild tomato species and one domesticated species (Solanum lycopersicum). These species belong to the Solanum section Lycopersicon and are native to western South America and Central America.

What's the difference between tomato species and varieties?

Tomato species represent distinct biological classifications with significant genetic differences, while varieties are cultivated forms within the single domesticated species (Solanum lycopersicum). All commercial tomatoes belong to the same species but have been selectively bred into thousands of varieties with different characteristics.

Can different tomato species cross-pollinate?

Most wild tomato species can cross with the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with varying degrees of success. Some species like Solanum pimpinellifolium cross readily, while others like Solanum pennellii require special techniques. These crosses are essential for introducing wild species' traits into cultivated varieties.

Which tomato species is most important for breeding?

Solanum pimpinellifolium (currant tomato) is considered the most important wild relative for tomato breeding due to its close genetic relationship with cultivated tomatoes and high genetic diversity. It provides valuable traits including disease resistance, drought tolerance, and unique flavor compounds.