do tomatillo plants have thorns?

Question

I bought a home 4 years ago that had previously been owned by a Mexican family of gardeners. Every year, where the garden spot is, there are plants that grow voluntarily. The fruit produced looks like a tomatillo, with a husk covering. The plant has thorns as well on the back side of the leaves. We have never eaten the fruit, because I am just not sure of what it is.

Answer 1

Well, it's not a tomatillo but it is related. In fact, it's also related to tomatoes and is a member of the nightshade family. What you have growing in the garden is a Litchi tomato, aka thorned tomato or Morelle de balbis. Here is more info: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/Litchi-Fruit-Morelle-De-Balbis.aspx