Physalis wrightii
A.Gray.
Sharpleaf groundcherry
gbif· cc-by-nc
Arizona State University Vascular Plant Herbarium (ASU-Plants)
gbif· cc-by-nc
Arizona State University Vascular Plant Herbarium (ASU-Plants)
gbif· cc-by-nc
Arizona State University Vascular Plant Herbarium (ASU-Plants)
Description
Physalis wrightii is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is frost tender. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. 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.
Known Hazards
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.
Distribution
South-western N. America - Arizona, California and W. Texas.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (New Mexico (south), Texas, Arizona (south), California (south)), Mexico (Baja, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora)
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though it should be possible to treat it as a tender annual, sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
Propagation
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.
