Ground cherry, Strawberry tomato, Husk tomato
Physalis pruinosa

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is like tomatillo but smaller. Plants grow 30 cm tall. The leaves are oval or heart shaped. The flowers are yellow-white. The flowers have both sexes and are self-fertile. Plants are pollinated by insects but one plant will set fruit. The fruit are orange-red. They are 1.5-2 cm across.

There are about 75-100 Physalis species. Physalis pubescens and Physalis pruinosa have been confused. See Taxon refrence. Physalis pubescens in in North America.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They do best in full sun or light shade. Plants are sensitive to frost. It needs a fertile soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico, North America, South America, USA

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit is eaten after the husk is removed. It can be eaten fresh or used in desserts. It can be used for jams, conserves, pies, sauces and cakes.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are easily grown from seed. Plants should be spaced 60-90 cm apart.

Plants produce in the first year.

Its other names

Local names

Tomate de culebra

Synonyms

Physalis cordifolia Dunal; Physalis maxima Houst. ex Mill.;