Wild Tomatillo, Mexican groundcherry
Physalis philadelphica

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

Physalis philadelphica is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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 moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Not known in a truly wild situation, it is found as a weed of cultivation.

N. America and S. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw or cooked. A delicious flavouring when used like a tomato and added to soups, stews etc. 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 can be stored for up to a year if picked before they are fully ripe and left inside their calyx.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The juice from the berries has been used as an eyewash.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

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. 'Purple de Milpa' has small purple-tinged fruits with a sharp flavour, they keep well. Closely related to P. ixocarpa, this is probably the wild species that P. ixocarpa was derived from in cultivation.

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: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. aequanta. Jacq.