Common Name:

General Information

Physalis caudella is an erect, sparsely-branched, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a deeply buried rhizomatous rootstock; it can grow10 - 30cm tall, occasionally to 40cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
Physalis caudella has a wide distribution in south-central United States of America and northwestern Mexico. Although the population trend and threats to it are unknown, it is unlikely that its population is declining at a rate that would place it in a threatened category. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

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

Southwestern N. America - eastern Arizona, New Mexico,, northern and western Mexico

Habitat

Loose, gravelly soil near streams, slopes, rocky ridges, open sites in oak and pine-oak forests, growing in canyons and on open wooded slopes and farming areas, at elevations from 1,200 - 2,800 metres[, , ].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Physalis caudella is a plant of arid and semi-arid regions in the mainly subtropical region in southwest N.America.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The yellow or orange, globosse fruit is 10 - 13mm in diameter containing numerous small seeds[]. 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

Physalis caudella 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.