Shoo Fly

Nicandra physaloides

Physical Characteristics

Nicandra physaloides is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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.

Distribution

S. America - Peru. Introduced and casual in Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Fruit[177]. No more details are given. The fruit is a berry about 15mm in diameter[200]. Young leaves - boiled[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anthelmintic Antibacterial Antiinflammatory Diuretic Febrifuge Mydriatic The plant is diuretic[240]. There is no evidence to suggest that the plant is purgative, though an alkaloid with mydriatic action is present[240]. The seeds are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an acrid taste and a cooling, very poisonous potency[241]. Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, regular use increases bodily vigour[241]. They are used in the treatment of contagious disorders, toothache, intestinal pain from worms and impotence[241]. A decoction of the seeds is used in the treatment of fevers[272].

Known Hazards

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a family that contains many species of poisonous plants so some caution is advised. It is normally the leaves and the unripe fruits that are most likely to be suspect, this family also includes many food plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers etc.