Strawberry Tomato

Physalis pruinosa

Physical Characteristics

Physalis pruinosa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. 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

Eastern N. America - Wisconsin, New York and south to Florida.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, preserves etc[105]. A delicious bitter sweet flavour. 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

All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are poisonous[19, 65].