Tomatoes, the edible fruit of the Solanum lycopersicum plant, thrive in temperate climates globally. They come in diverse sizes and growth habits. These plants, usually vines, require support for optimal growth. Indeterminate varieties live up to three years, while determinate ones are annual. They feature branching stems with lateral buds taking over when the tip stops growing. Most tomato plants boast compound leaves, and their self-fertilizing flowers cluster together.