| Physalis | |
|---|---|
| Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) leaves and fruit | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Subfamily: | Solanoideae |
| Tribe: | Physaleae |
| Subtribe: | Physalinae |
| Genus: | Physalis L.[1] |
| Species | |
|
About 80, see text |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Alkekengi Mill. |
|
Physalis ( /ˈfaɪsəlɪs/, sometimes /faɪˈseɪlɪs/)[2] 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. Many Physalis species are called groundcherries.[3] One name for Physalis peruviana is Cape Gooseberry, not to be confused with the true gooseberries, which are of the genus Ribes in the family Grossulariaceae.
They are herbaceous plants growing to 0.4–3 m tall, similar to the common tomato - a relative - but usually with a stiffer, more upright stem; they can be either annual or perennial. Most require full sun and fairly warm to hot temperatures. Some species are sensitive to frost, though others such as P. alkekengi (Chinese lantern) tolerate severe cold when dormant in winter.
Contents |
These plants grow in most soil types and do very well in poor soils and in pots. They need lots of water throughout the growing year, except towards fruit-ripening time. Plants are susceptible to many of the common tomato diseases and pests; other pests such as aphids, white flies, spider mites, and the false potato beetle (Leptinotarsa juncta) also attack them. Propagation is by seed. Some species are self-incompatible and require multiple plants for fruit set.
The typical Physalis fruit is similar to a firm tomato (in texture), and like strawberries or other fruit in flavor; they have a mild, refreshing acidity. Most – but not all – physalis species produce edible fruits, with a basic flavor recalling a tomato/pineapple-like blend. Some species like cape gooseberries and tomatillos have numerous named cultivars, which offer a range of flavors from tart to sweet to savory. Physalis fruit have around 53 kcal for 100 grams,[4] and are rich in cryptoxanthin.
Its uses are similar to the common tomato or to fruits with a refreshing taste. Once extracted from its husk, it may be eaten raw or used in salads, desserts, as a flavoring, and in jams and jellies. They can also be dried and eaten much like raisins or other small dried fruit. Cape gooseberries contain large amounts of pectin, and are therefore suitable for jams and pies.
The cape gooseberry is native to the Americas, but is commonly grown and feral in many subtropical areas, including South Africa (often incorrectly ascribed to the "Cape" in the common name, and thus often incorrectly written with a capital letter as "Cape gooseberry". The "cape" is actually related to the husk surrounding the fruit.). Another important commercial type is the tomatillo (P. philadelphica). Physalis fruit are significant as an export product e.g. for Colombia.
Some species are grown as ornamental plants. For example, the hardy Physalis alkekengi is popular for its large, bright orange to red husks.
In Chinese medicine, the Physalis is used as a remedy for abscesses, coughs, fevers and sore throats, among others.[5] Smooth groundcherry (P. subglabrata) is considered a hallucinogenic plant by some, and its cultivation for other than ornamental purposes is outlawed in Louisiana by State Act 159. However, its use as a hallucinogen does not appear widespread.
The extinct Dacian language has left few traces, but in De Materia Medica by Pedanius Dioscorides, a plant called Strychnos alikakabos (Στρύχνος άλικακάβος) is discussed, which was called kykolis (or cycolis) by the Dacians. Some have considered this plant to be Physalis alkekengi, but Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been proposed as an alternative candidate and indeed this widely-traded medical plant seems to be a better match.[6]