The tamarillo is native to the Andes of Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina. Today it is still cultivated in gardens and small orchards for local production, and it is one of the most popular fruits in these regions. Other regions of cultivation are the subtropical areas throughout the world, such as South Africa, India, China, Australia and New Zealand. The fruits are egg-shaped and about 2-4 inches long. The flesh has a firm texture and contains more and larger seeds than a common tomato. The fruits are very high in vitamins and iron and low in calories. The tree grows very quickly and is able to bear fruit after 1 and a half to 2 years. A single mature tree can produce more than 45 pounds of fruit per year. Tamarillos are suitable for growing as indoor container plants, though their swift growth, their light, water and humidity requirements and their large leaves can pose a challenge to those with limited space.