According to molecular phylogenies, Jaltomata is the sister genus to Solanum, which includes tomato, potato, and eggplant.

Species encompass a wide range of vegetative and reproductive trait variation, including growth habit (trailing herbs, erect herbs, and woody shrubs), floral size, shape and color, as well as fruit size and color.

The fruits of some of the species are eaten by humans in Latin and South America.

Depending on the species, fruits may be red, green, orange, or dark purple.

[3] The Nahuatl X is pronounced like an English SH, but when borrowed into Mexican Spanish and spelled J, the pronunciation is like an English H. Both Mexican and US American botanists pronounce the J this way.