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What is Physalis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Physalis is a genus of flowering plants native to the subtropical and temperate regions of the Americas. This genus has both ornamental and edible uses, depending on the species, and it is widely cultivated all over the world. Plants in the Physalis genus are also known as ground cherries, cape gooseberries, Chinese lantern plants, and, in the case of Physalis philadelphica, tomatillos. Many garden shops have Physalis plants and starts, along with seeds.

These plants enjoy warm weather, minimal breezes, and lots of water. They are members of the nightshade family, along with tomatoes and potatoes, and they superficially resemble these plants in many ways. Physalis typically develops slightly hairy leaves, thick stems, and delicate yellow to orange flowers. When fruit develops, it grows inside a husk, and the color may vary: red, orange, and yellow are all common shades for Physalis fruits, along with more exotic shades like purple.

The Physalis is a member of the nightshade family of plants, as are eggplants and tomatoes.
The Physalis is a member of the nightshade family of plants, as are eggplants and tomatoes.

The fruits of some species are edible, with an acidic kick like that of tomatoes. Some have notes of tropical fruit like pineapples, while others have a more earthy flavor. Physalis fruits can be eaten out of hand raw, sliced and thrown into salads, used in salsas and sauces, cooked in stir fries, dried, and cooked in preserves and jellies. Some varieties are more savory in nature, while others are very sweet. Tomatillos in particular are very popular in Latin America, and they are rich in vitamin C, making them a great addition to the diet.

Physalis fruits can be used in dishes like salsa.
Physalis fruits can be used in dishes like salsa.

The recommended zone of growth for Physalis varies, depending on the species. Some need extremely warm weather, around USDA zones 10 and 11, while others can cope with much cooler climates. Decorative Physalis will grow for many years, especially if the root balls are regularly divided and distributed to provide lots of room for growth. Physalis, edible or not, can make a very colorful addition to the garden in large beds or as a border planting.

People who want to grow Physalis should be aware that this genus has very high water needs, especially when it is developing fruit. It can be a good idea to mulch Physalis plants to help them retain water, but they will still require extra attention with the hose. In dry, drought-prone climates, Physalis may not be a great garden choice, because it will consume a lot of water resources, and the plant may struggle to survive even with a lot of water if the air is dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Physalis and where can it be found?

Physalis is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, known for its small, round, edible fruits encased in a distinctive, lantern-like husk. It's native to warm temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. The most well-known species, Physalis peruviana, often called Cape gooseberry or goldenberry, is cultivated in countries like Colombia, South Africa, and Egypt for its sweet-tart berries.

Are Physalis fruits edible, and what do they taste like?

Yes, Physalis fruits are edible and are celebrated for their unique flavor profile that combines both sweetness and tartness, reminiscent of a blend between tomatoes and pineapples. They are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C and A, and can be eaten raw, used in salads, desserts, or as a flavor enhancer in various dishes.

How do you grow Physalis plants, and what conditions do they prefer?

Physalis plants thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. They are relatively easy to grow and can be cultivated from seeds or seedlings. These plants prefer a warm climate but can also be grown in temperate regions during the warmer months. Regular watering and occasional fertilization will help ensure a healthy, fruit-bearing plant.

What are the health benefits of consuming Physalis?

Consuming Physalis can offer numerous health benefits due to their high nutrient content. They are a good source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress, and contain vitamins C and A, which support the immune system and eye health, respectively. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in regulating blood sugar levels.

Can Physalis be used in traditional medicine?

Physalis has a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly within Chinese medicine, where it is known as "Jin Lan Hua." It has been used to treat conditions like malaria, asthma, hepatitis, and dermatitis. Its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties make it valuable for treating various ailments, though scientific research is needed to fully validate these uses.

Are there any precautions to consider when eating Physalis?

While Physalis fruits are generally safe to eat, it's important to consume them in moderation due to their high vitamin and mineral content. The unripe fruit, leaves, and other plant parts contain solanine, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Always ensure the fruits are ripe and avoid the rest of the plant to prevent adverse effects.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Lindsay21

@Malachis - If you want to grow tomatillos, you're looking for the ixocarpa species of the physalis genus. Just be aware that this plant often needs another plant to enhance it's growth and ensure that it the fruit will actually develop, so it should not be planted alone.

If you'd like to stick with the physalis genus to plant with it, you might want to consider the physalis peruviana. This species yields the cape gooseberry, also known as a Peruvian groundcherry, a small sweet fruit that works great in salads or guacamole. The physalis heterophylla is the clammy ground cherry, which is native to North America. If you just want something nice to look at in your garden, the physalis franchetti species will produce the Chinese lantern plant.

I would recommend avoiding the physalis subglabrata. This plant grows the smooth groundcherry, also known as the husk-tomato, but this is typically considered to be a weed.

Malachis

I use a lot of tomatillos in my salsa and sauces for cooking. If I wanted to grow my own tomatillos, what Physalis genus should I look for? I don't want to end up with gooseberries or Chinese lantern plants.

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    • The Physalis is a member of the nightshade family of plants, as are eggplants and tomatoes.
      By: Konstiantyn
      The Physalis is a member of the nightshade family of plants, as are eggplants and tomatoes.
    • Physalis fruits can be used in dishes like salsa.
      By: Sea Wave
      Physalis fruits can be used in dishes like salsa.