Ground Cherry

Physalis hederaefolia cordifolia

Physical Characteristics

Physalis hederaefolia cordifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Condiment Edible fruit - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 177, 257]. The fruit can also be boiled in a small amount of water, crushed and used as a condiment[257]. 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.

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[19, 65].