Physalis arenicola

Kearney

Cypress-head Ground-cherry

Solanaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below 447 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Frost-tender perennial groundcherry. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Adapts to sandy, loamy, and clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to alkaline conditions. Full sun required. Prefers moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Each fruit is naturally enclosed in a papery calyx husk that protects it from pests and the elements. The calyx itself is toxic and must not be eaten.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

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

It is a warm temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in the milder parts of this country. If it proves to be tender, it should be possible to treat it as an 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

Sow seed in March or April in a greenhouse, barely covering it. Germination is generally quick and reliable. Prick seedlings out into individual pots of reasonably rich soil once large enough to handle, then plant outside after the last expected frosts, ideally with cloche protection until they are growing well. Diurnal temperature fluctuations aid germination. Division in spring is straightforward — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions. Smaller divisions are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established, then planted out in late spring or early summer. For basal cuttings in early summer, harvest shoots with plenty of underground stem when about 8–10cm above ground. Pot individually and keep in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until rooting well, then plant out during summer.