Physalis missouriensis

MacKenzie & Bush

Missouri Groundcherry

Solanaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below 17 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

An annual reaching 1m tall and frost-tender, bearing hermaphrodite insect-pollinated flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Requires full sun and prefers mildly acidic to basic soils with moist conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit, up to 20mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked. Each fruit is naturally enclosed in its own papery calyx, protecting it from pests and the elements — this calyx is toxic and must not be eaten.

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses are known.

Known Hazards

The calyx (papery outer covering) is toxic and should not be eaten.

Distribution

It is a 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 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

Sow seed in March or April in a greenhouse, barely covering it. Germination is usually quick and reliable; diurnal temperature fluctuations help. Prick seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil once large enough to handle, then plant out after the last expected frost, with cloche protection if needed until established.