Tomatillo
Physalis ixocarpa

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A branched annual/perennial herb growing up to 1 m tall. The leaves are oval and 5 cm long by 3 cm wide. The edges of the leaves are entire or slightly wavy. They are smooth. The flower stalk is up to 7 mm long. The flower is small about 2 cm across. It is yellow with five dark purple brown markings at the throat. The fruit is yellow with purple veins and sticky. They are 4 cm across. There are several named cultivated varieties.

There are about 75-100 Physalis species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits temperate to subtropical climates. It suits warmer climates. Plants are damaged by frost. They do best in rich soil in full sun. A temperature above 16°C is best. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Central Africa, Central America, Congo, Cook Islands, East Africa, Europe, Guatemala, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lord Howe Island, Mexico, North America, Puerto Rico, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Taiwan, Tanzania, Trinidad, Uganda, USA, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They can be used for jam, sauces, pickles, or juice. They are used in soups, curries, and in cooked meat dishes. Unripe fruit are often used in a hot chili sauce.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Fruit, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed germinate in 7-10 days. Plants should be spaced 40 cm apart. Plants are best staked to prevent plants sprawling and fruit rotting. Plants can be grown from cuttings. Flowers are self fertile.

Plants fruit in their first year. Fruit fall to the ground and are collected and ripen over the next 4 weeks. Yields of about 1 kg per plant are possible.

Its other names

Local names

Farolito, Jamberberry, Jamberry, Mexican Ground cherry, Miltomate, Purple gooseberry, Tomatd mexicano, Tomatilo, Tomete verde, Tumat

Synonyms

Physalis philadelphica Lam.; Physalis aequata Jacq. ex Nees;