Common Name:

General Information

Physalis arenicola is an erect, sparsely-branched, herbaceous perennial plant with a rhizomatous rootstock. The rhizomes are deeply buried, though there are often also some slender, shallow rhizomes. The plant can grow 5 - 30cm tall[].
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 -Alabama, Florida.

Habitat

Pinelands, scrub, sandhills and cypress heads[]. A coastal plant growing in sandy soil, pine-oak woods, hammocks, fields, pastures, road­sides; at elevations up to 90 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Physalis arenicola is native to a subtropical climate in the southeastern USA.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[].
Plants can flower all year round when growing in frost-free areas[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. 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

None known

Other Uses

None known

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.