Tomato (scientific name: Solanum lycopersicum) is often referred to as "蕃茄" (fanqie) in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia, while "番茄" (fanqie) is used in mainland China and Taiwan. It is a plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and the genus Solanum. Tomatoes are native to Central and South America and are now widely cultivated as edible fruits and vegetables around the world. They also have medicinal properties and are considered one of the model organisms among flowering plants in the nightshade family.