When not in flower, narrow-leaved Physalis angulata is difficult to distinguish from Physalis acutifolia. The latter species has nearly rotate, widely flaring corollas that are pale yellow to nearly white with a green or yellow star-shaped tinge in the throat[]..

Common Name: Sharp-Leaf Ground Cherry

General Information

Physalis acutifolia is an erect to decumbent, annual plant with spreading branches; growing from a taproot, it is usually around 10 - 50cm tall, occasionally to 100cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food
Physalis acutifolia is a common, widespread species in Mexico and the United States of America. It also occurs in several types of habitats and is present in a number of protected areas. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

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

Range

South-western N. America - California to southern Mexico.

Habitat

A weed of agricultural land and disturbed soils from sea level to elevations of 220 metres[]. Grows on volcanic rocks near sandy riverbanks or coastal vegetation, tropical deciduous forest, or mangroves; at elevations up to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Physalis angulata is native from the warm temperate regions of southwest USA to the tropical zone in southern Mexico.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. Used in sauces[]. The mature fruit is green, arouns 15mm in diameter, containing numerous small seeds[]. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own paper bag to protect it from pests and the elements.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Physalis acutifolia is a wild relative of, and potential gene donor to Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), low ground-cherry Physalis pubescens) and tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa[].

Propagation

Seed - 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[].
Division in spring[]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Basal cuttings in early summer[]. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.