A tomatillo, sometimes used in green guacamole variations, is also called what kind of tomato?

A tomatillo is also called a Mexican husk tomato.

The tomatillo is a member of the nightshade family and belongs chiefly to the Physalis genus. Unlike an ordinary tomato, its small green or purple fruit develops inside a papery husk formed from the flower’s calyx. The husk is removed before eating, and the fruit may have a slightly sticky coating.

Tomatillos originated in Mexico and were cultivated there before European contact. They remain a foundational ingredient in Mexican and Central American cooking, especially salsa verde, where their tart flavor and green color are central to the dish.

The name can cause confusion because “tomatillo” means “little tomato” in some contexts, but botanically it is not simply an immature tomato. It is a distinct plant related to tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplants. Green tomatillos are common, while ripe varieties can also be yellow, red, or purple.