Shoo Fly
Nicandra physaloides
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
Nicandra physaloides is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Naturalized in waste places and near dwellings in much of N. America.
S. America - Peru. Introduced and casual in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit. No more details are given. The fruit is a berry about 15mm in diameter. Young leaves - boiled. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is diuretic. There is no evidence to suggest that the plant is purgative, though an alkaloid with mydriatic action is present. The seeds are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an acrid taste and a cooling, very poisonous potency. Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, regular use increases bodily vigour. They are used in the treatment of contagious disorders, toothache, intestinal pain from worms and impotence. A decoction of the seeds is used in the treatment of fevers.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Mydriatic: Dilates the pupils of the eyes.
Other
Rating:
The plant is thought to repel flies.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, but prefers a rich well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants withstand poor weather conditions well and do not usually require staking. Plants are fast-growing and often self-sow freely. Individual flowers only live for one day, but the plant produces a succession of flowers from summer to early autumn.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in late spring, preferably after the last expected frosts. Young seedlings can be transplanted. The seed can remain dormant for several decades.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a family that contains many species of poisonous plants so some caution is advised. It is normally the leaves and the unripe fruits that are most likely to be suspect, this family also includes many food plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers etc.