Common Name:

General Information

Calliphysalis carpenteri is an erect, single-stemmed, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a taproot, the base of the stem becomes more or less woody in older plants; it grows up to 75cm tall, exceptionally reaching 150cm, often becoming bushy and up to 90cm wide[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

The unripe fruits and foliage of Physalis species contain solanine and other solanidine alkaloids and are toxic if ingested in large quantities. The ripe fruiys are usually edible, and several species are cultivated for these fruits[].

Botanical References

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Range

South-eastern N. America - Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Habitat

Sandy soils on the coastal plain[]. A woodland species, favoring hammocks and disturbed sites such as washing river bluffs, treefall gaps, and sunny areas along trails[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[].
Plants commence flowering when around 15cm tall[]
Plants are partially self-fertile, though yields are lower and fruit size is much smaller when flowers are self-fertilized[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The mustard-yellow, globose fruits are 6 - 10mm in diameter, contain many small seeds[]. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, thinge calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements. This calyx is toxic and should not be eaten.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - stores well, probably for 10 years or more if kept cool. Sow early to mid spring in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away well. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination[].