Why is Tomato Classification needed?
Why is Tomato classification needed? It is essential for grouping this fruit accurately in Kingdom Plantae. Classification of this fruit is done on the basis of its family, order, genus and species. It tells about the basic Characteristics of Tomato and helps understand its taxonomic relationship with other fruits. It belongs to Magnoliophyta division. This division includes all the flowering plants, also known as Angiosperms. Magnoliophyta can be further split into two classes: Liliopsida and Magnoliopsida. Keep reading to enhance your knowledge on scientific classification of Tomato.
Tomato Order
Liliopsida and Magnoliopsida are the two classes in which plants can be classified. Plants belonging to Liliopsida class are monocotyledons whereas plants belonging to Magnoliopsida are di-cotyledons. Tomatoes belongs to Magnoliopsida class. This class is further sub-divided into order and the Tomato order is Solanales.
Tomato Family
Family is a subdivision of order. Tomato family is Solanaceae. Identification of Scientific Name of Tomato is done by considering its genus and species. Species having similar characteristics are placed in a particular genus. Tomatoes are placed under Solanum genus. All fruits belonging to a particular species are ecologically same. This fruit belongs to S. lycopersicum species.