Physalis

Taxobox
name = "Physalis"

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = Cape Gooseberry ("Physalis peruviana") in flower
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
subclassis = Asteridae
unranked_ordo = Euasterids I
ordo = Solanales
familia = Solanaceae
genus = "Physalis"
genus_authority = L.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = About 80, see text

"Physalis" 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 orangey 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. Commonly, it is called cape gooseberry or ground cherry but many species are well-known to humans and have more fanciful names.

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.

Cultivation and uses

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 the False Potato Beetle ("Leptinotarsa juncta") also attack them. Propagation is by seed.

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. The flavor of the Cape Gooseberry ("P. peruviana") is a unique tomato/pineapple-like blend. "Physalis" fruit have around 130 kcal for 100 gramsVerify source|date=November 2007 , 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 figs, apricots or grapes.

The Cape Gooseberry is native to the Americas, but is commonly grown and feral in many subtropical areas including South Africa (the "Cape" in the common name). 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.

"Physalis" have some medical relevance; they are sometimes used in herbalism as a remedy for sore throatsVerify source|date=November 2007Fact|date=November 2007. 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 little 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. [Berendes (1902): 405-408]

elected species

* "Physalis acutifolia" (Miers) Sandw. – Sharp-leaved Groundcherry, Wright Groundcherry
* "Physalis alkekengi" – Chinese Lantern, Bladder-cherry, Japanese Lantern, "winter-cherry", "hōzuki" (Japanese)
* "Physalis angulata" – Cut-leaved Groundcherry, Lance-leaved Groundcherry, "camapu"
* "Physalis angustifolia" Nutt. – Coastal Groundcherry
* "Physalis arenicola" Kearney – Cypress-headed Groundcherry
* "Physalis carpenteri" Riddell ex Rydb. – Carpenter's Groundcherry
* "Physalis caudella" Standl. – Southwestern Groundcherry
* "Physalis cinerascens" (Dunal) A.S. Hitchc. – Small-flowered Groundcherry
* "Physalis clarionensis"
* "Physalis cordata" P. Mill. – Heart-leaved Groundcherry
* "Physalis crassifolia" Benth. – Thick-leaved Groundcherry, Yellow Nightshade Groundcherry
* "Physalis foetens" Poir. – Tropical Groundcherry
* "Physalis grisea" (Waterfall) Martínez – Strawberry-tomato
* "Physalis hederifolia" Gray – Ivy-leaved Groundcherry
* "Physalis heterophylla" Nees – Clammy Groundcherry
* "Physalis hispida" (Waterfall) Cronq. – Prairie Groundcherry
* "Physalis latiphysa" Waterfall – Broad-leaved Groundcherry
* "Physalis lobata"
* "Physalis longifolia" Nutt. – Common Groundcherry, Long-leaved Groundcherry
* "Physalis mimulus"
* "Physalis minima" L. – Pygmy Groundcherry, Native Gooseberry (Australia)
* "Physalis missouriensis" Mackenzie & Bush – Missouri Groundcherry
* "Physalis mollis" Nutt. – Field Groundcherry
* "Physalis noronhae"
* "Physalis peruviana" – Cape Gooseberry, Peruvian Groundcherry, Inca Berry, "uchuva" (Colombia), "poha"
* "Physalis philadelphica" (= "P. ixocarpa") – Tomatillo [English and Mexican name. Refers to small tomato cultivars elsewhere.] , Mexican Groundcherry, Jamberry, Mexican Tomato, "tomate de cáscara, tomate de fresadilla, tomate milpero, tomate verde"
* "Physalis pruinosa" – Strawberry Groundcherry
* "Physalis pubescens" L.
* "Physalis pumila" Nutt. – Dwarf Groundcherry
* "Physalis subglabrata" – Smooth Groundcherry
* "Physalis subulata" Rydb. – Chihuahuan Groundcherry
* "Physalis turbinata" Medik. – Thicket Groundcherry
* "Physalis virginiana" P. Mill. – Virginia Groundcherry
* "Physalis viscosa" L. – Grape Groundcherry, Star-haired Groundcherry
* "Physalis walteri" Nutt. – Walter's Groundcherry

Formerly placed here

* Ashwagandha, "Withania somnifera" (as "Physalis somnifera")
* Pampas Lily-of-the-Valley, "Salpichroa origanifolia" (as "Physalis origanifolia")

Footnotes

References

*: "Arzneimittellehre in fünf Büchern des Pedanios Dioskurides aus Anazarbos". Stuttgart. [http://www.heilpflanzen-welt.de/buecher/Dioskurides-Arzneimittellehre/ JPEG fulltext]

External links

*Names in Databases:
** [http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=30587 ITIS]
** [http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/Sorting/Physalis.html Sorting Physalis names]
** [http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/find_lat?LAT=physalis Plants for a future]