Physalis
From Freepedia
- For the software framework, see Physalis (software).
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| Image:Gooseberry flower.jpg Physalis peruviana in flower | ||||||||||||
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About 80, see text |
Physalis, groundcherry or winter-cherry is a genus of plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae, native to warm temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world. The genus is characterised by the small orange fruit similar in size, shape and structure to a small tomato, but partly or fully enclosed in a large papery husk derived from the calyx.
They are herbaceous plants growing to 0.4-3 m tall, similar to the common tomato but usually with a stiffer, more upright stem; they can be either annual or perennial. They require full sun, fairly warm to hot temperatures, and some species are sensitive to frost, though others, such as P. alkekengi, tolerate severe cold when dormant in winter.
Cultivation and uses
Provide lots of water throughout the growing year, except towards fruit ripening time. Grow in most soil types and will do very well in poor soils and in pots. Plants are susceptible to many of the same diseases and pests as the tomato. Propagation is by seed.
Its uses are similar to the common tomato or to a fruit. Ground cherries can be eaten raw, in salads, desserts, as a flavoring, and in jams and jellies. The fruits are excellent when dipped in chocolate, and can be dried and eaten. It is also often used as an herbal remedy for sore throats. The flavor of Physalis peruviana, also known as the Cape Gooseberry, is a pleasant, unique tomato/pineapple like blend. It is native to Central and South America, but is commonly grown in many subtropical areas including South Africa. The other most commonly-seen type in commerce is the tomatillo (P. philadelphica).
Some species are also grown as ornamental plants, with P. alkekengi popular for its large, bright orange to red husks.
Species
- Physalis acutifolia (Miers) Sandw. - Sharpleaf Groundcherry, Wright Groundcherry
- Physalis alkekengi L. - Chinese Lantern
- Physalis angulata L. - Cutleaf Groundcherry, Lanceleaf Groundcherry
- Physalis angustifolia Nutt. - Coastal Groundcherry
- Physalis arenicola Kearney - Cypresshead Groundcherry
- Physalis carpenteri Riddell ex Rydb. - Carpenter's Groundcherry
- Physalis caudella Standl. - Southwestern Groundcherry
- Physalis cinerascens (Dunal) A.S. Hitchc. - Smallflower Groundcherry
- Physalis cordata P. Mill. - Heartleaf Groundcherry
- Physalis crassifolia Benth. - Thickleaf Groundcherry, Yellow Nightshade Groundcherry
- Physalis foetens Poir. - Tropical Groundcherry
- Physalis grisea (Waterfall) MartÃnez - Strawberry-tomato
- Physalis hederifolia Gray - Ivyleaf Groundcherry
- Physalis heterophylla Nees - Clammy Groundcherry
- Physalis hispida (Waterfall) Cronq. - Prairie Groundcherry
- Physalis latiphysa Waterfall - Broadleaf Groundcherry
- Physalis longifolia Nutt. - Common Groundcherry, Longleaf Groundcherry
- Physalis minima L. - Pygmy Groundcherry
- Physalis missouriensis Mackenzie & Bush - Missouri Groundcherry
- Physalis mollis Nutt. - Field Groundcherry
- Physalis peruviana L. - Peruvian Groundcherry
- Physalis philadelphica Lam. (syn. P. ixocarpa) - Tomatillo, Mexican Groundcherry
- Physalis pruinosa - Strawberry Groundcherry or Husk Tomato
- Physalis pubescens L. - Groundcherry, Husk Tomato, Husk-tomato
- Physalis pumila Nutt. - Dwarf Groundcherry
- Physalis subulata Rydb. - Chihuahuan Groundcherry
- Physalis turbinata Medik. - Thicket Groundcherry
- Physalis virginiana P. Mill. - Lanceleaf Groundcherry, Virginia Groundcherry
- Physalis viscosa L. - Grape Groundcherry, Starhair Groundcherry
- Physalis walteri Nutt. - Walter's Groundcherry
