Uses
Toxic parts
All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are poisonous
[1][2].
Edible uses
Notes
Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, cakes, jellies, compotes, jams etc
[3][4][5][6][7]. A delicious bitter-sweet flavour, it has smaller but sweeter fruits than the cultivar 'Edulis'[K]. The dried fruit can be used as a raisin substitute, though it is not so sweet
[7]. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements. This calyx is toxic and should not be eaten. The fruit is rich in vitamin A (3000 I.U. of carotene per 100g), vitamin C and some of the B complex (thiamine, niacin and B12)
[8]. The protein and phosphorus levels are exceptionally high for a fruit
[8]. The fruit is a berry about 2cm in diameter
[9].
The dried fruit is said to be a substitute for yeast
[7]. If picked carefully with the calyx intact, the fruit can be stored for 3 months or more
[8]. The fruit is about 2cm in diameter
[8].
Material uses
There are no material uses listed for Physalis peruviana.
The leaf juice has been used in the treatment of worms and bowel complaints
[10].
The plant is diuretic
[10].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away well. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination
[11].
Division in spring
[12]. This is best done without digging up the plant. Remove young shoots that are growing out from the side of the clump, making sure that some of the below ground shoot is also removed. It is best if this has some roots on, but the shoot should form new roots fairly quickly if it is potted up and kept for a few weeks in a shady but humid part of the greenhouse[K].
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Physalis peruviana. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Succeeds in a sheltered position in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
[8][9]. Prefers a rich loam
[13] but tolerates poor soils
[8]. If the soil is too rich it encourages leaf production at the expense of fruiting
[8]. Plants tolerate a pH in the range 4.5 to 8.2
[8].
The Cape Gooseberry is an evergreen shrub in its native environment. It is not very cold-hardy in Britain, however, though it can succeed outdoors as a herbaceous perennial in the mildest areas of the country or when grown in favoured positions such as the foot of a sunny wall. Some cultivars will tolerate temperatures down to about -10° when grown in this way[K]. It would be wise to apply a good protective mulch to the roots in late autumn after the top growth has been cut back by frosts. In most areas of Britain, however, it needs to be grown as an annual in much the same way as tomatoes. The plant is usually naturally bushy, but it can be useful to pinch out the growing tip whilst the shoots are less than 30cm tall in order to encourage side shoots[K].
This species is often cultivated for its edible fruit in warm temperate and tropical zones, there are some named varieties
[5][7]. 'Edulis' is the most common cultivar in Britain, it has considerably larger fruits than the species but these do not have quite such a good flavour[K]. Yields of 20 tonnes per hectare are common in S. America, 33 tonnes has been achieved
[8].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Physalis peruviana. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Physalis peruviana.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Physalis peruviana
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
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"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Flower of Physalis peruviana.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
References
-
? Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
-
? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
-
? 3.03.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
-
? 4.04.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
-
? 5.05.15.2 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
-
? 6.06.1 Harrison. S. Wallis. M. Masefield. G. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press (1975-00-00)
-
? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
-
? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.78.88.9 Popenoe. H. et al Lost Crops of the Incas National Academy Press ISBN 0-309-04264-X (1990-00-00)
-
? 9.09.19.29.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? 10.010.110.2 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
-
? 11.011.1 Dremann. C. G. Ground Cherries, Husk Tomatoes and Tomatilloes. Redwood City Seed Co ISBN 0-933421-03-6 (1985-00-00)
-
? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
-
? Simmons A. E. Simmons' Manual of Fruit. David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-7607-1 (1978-00-00)
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