Ground Cherry, Husk tomato
Physalis pubescens

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

Physalis pubescens is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Damp to dry open woods, sand dunes and disturbed soil

N. America - Wisconsin, Virginia, Ohio. Indiana and southwards.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Caribbean, Central Africa, Central America, China, Colombia, Congo DR, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hispaniola, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Suriname, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, preserves etc. A delicious bitter sweet flavour. The fruit falls from the plant before it is fully ripe and should be left for a week or two until the husk has dried and the fruit has turned a golden-yellow. Delightful when fully ripe. When dried in sugar, the fruit is excellent in fruit cakes, some cooks preferring them to raisins or figs. Yields up to 0.5 kilo per plant. 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 will store for several weeks if left in the calyx. The fruit is a berry about 15mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The whole plant is antipyretic, depurative, diuretic, pectoral, vermifuge. A decoction is used in the treatment of abscesses, coughs, fevers, sore throat etc.

Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content

Other

Rating: 0

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Cultivated for its edible fruit in the Ukraine. There are some named varieties. 'Cossack Pineapple' has a small pineapple-flavoured fruit. 'Goldie' has medium-sized fruits that are borne prolifically on a well-branched plant.

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many of the members have poisonous leaves and stems, though the full ripe fruits are usually edible.

Its other names

Local names

Ground Cherry, Capulin, Ground cherry, Husk-tomato, balãozinho, camapú, husk tomato, umuhuhu,

Synonyms

P. barbardense. P. florida.