Tomato Delcova

Tomato Delcovas, also known as Mercado's Delcova, is a small Delcova species native to Eastern US and Canada.
They are one of the smallest Delcovas in the genus, only growing 12-16 feet. Some speciemens however have grown 25 feet tall. They are evergreen in zones 6 and warmer, and go deciduous in December or even January in zones 4 and 5.
Their leaf is very unusual, and is very similar to a tomato, as its named. The leaves stems are purple and fuzzy. A milky white sap oozes out when a leaf is broken, in which is mildly poisonous. The sap is only poisonous enough to make a person, or cattle sick, but all mammals will recover. 
The fruit on this species is also rather large, like a grape tomato. 
Flowering occurs in May and June, then again in September. Fruits are abundant during the summer and fall months. 
Due to the sap in the leaves and young bark, Caterpillars and deer do not typically graze this species of Delcova. This Delcova is mildly toxic to livestock. 
Category:Delcovas
Category:Trees and Shrubs
Category:Nature
Category:Hypo Nature