How to Grow and Care for Physalis

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a perennial shrub species native to South America. This species has been cultivated by humans for a very long time, and can be traced to the Incan civilization. Cape gooseberry grows optimally in fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun.

Physalis lagascae (Physalis lagascae) is a perennial herb native to tropical America and has fruits with a cherry-like flavor. Although it is occasionally cultivated for its editable fruit, it is a common weed thrive in disturbed lands with dry seasons.

If you've ever enjoyed a salsa verde sauce, chances are you've eaten a tomatillo. These fruits have long shelf-lives and are used extensively in cooking, particularly in Mexican and Central American green sauces. The fruit grows within a husk, which is removed before consumption (all parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruit). In addition to its use in sauces, tomatillo can be used as a tomato substitute or dried and carried as a snack.

Physalis angulata is an annual plant belonging to the nightshade family Solanaceae. It has dark green leaves that are roughly oval, and often have tooth shapes around the edge. The flowers are a pale yellow and the yellow-orange fruits are wrapped inside a balloon-like calyx, which is toxic and should not be eaten.

Clammy ground cherry (Physalis heterophylla) is a member of the Nightshade family. When the fruit of this plant ripens, it turns yellow, and it can be consumed by human beings. It is a North American native. This perennial can reach heights of up to 49 cm. The stems and leaves feel clammy.