Common Name: Tomatito

General Information

Physalis crassifolia is an erect, perennial plant growing from a shallow, rhizomatous rootstock. The stems of older plants become woody and persist, widely spreading branches are produced at the base and at most nodes; the plant usually grows around 10 - 40cm tall, occasionally reaching 100cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
Physalis crassifolia has a wide distribution, is common and there are no known major threats affecting its population. 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

South-western N. America - Nevada, Utah, Arizona and the Mojave desert of California south to southwest Mexico.

Habitat

Coastal dunes, sandy and rocky places; at elevations below 1,200 metres[, ]. Deserts, canyon floors and rocky hillsides[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Physalis crassifolia is a plant of mainly subtropical regions, often found in arid and semi-arid areas.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[].
Plants can flower and produce fruit all year round in suitable climates[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Often used in sauces[]. 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 crassifolia 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.