Frost-damaged tomatoes. Close-up of a group of discoloured, bruised tomatoes that have been damaged by frost. The tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum) is a bushy annual native of South America. Unlike temperate species it is unable to withstand the ravages of frost, which causes ice crystals to grow inside the plant and rupture the cell walls. The damaged tissue releases enzymes that further degrade the affected area and expose the tissue to agents of decay.