- Physalis minima
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Physalis minima 
Pygmy groundcherry fruit Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Eudicots (unranked): Asterids Order: Solanales Family: Solanaceae Genus: Physalis Species: P. minima Binomial name Physalis minima Belonging to the Solanaceae family of perennial herbs, Physalis minima, is known by several names. native gooseberry, Wild capegooseberry and pygmy groundcherry are some of the popular common names in English. It is a pantropical annual herb 20-50 cm high at its maturity.
Leaves are soft and smooth (not furry), with entire or jagged margins, 2.5-12 cm long. Cream to yellowish flowers are followed by edible yellowish fruit encapsulated in papery cover which turns straw brown and drops to the ground when the fruit is fully ripe.[1]The plant tends to have a weedy character, often found growing in disturbed sites.
Uses
The fruit has a pleasant cherry-tomato like flavor when fully ripe. Often used to relieve pain (analgesic action). It has shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic action in animals.[2]
References
- ^ Low,T., Wild Food Plants of Australia, 1988. ISBN 0-207-16930-6
- ^ Khan MA, Khan H, Khan S, Mahmood T, Khan PM, Jabar A.,"Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Physalis minima Linn." J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2009 Jun;24(3):632-7 Authors:
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