Common Name: Ground Cherry

General Information

Physalis fendleri is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a stout rhizomatous rootstock. Spreading branches are produced at the base and at most nodes; the plant growing around 5 - 50cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
Physalis fendleri is widely distributed, its population is presumed stable and there are no major widespread threats currently affecting its population. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[]. (as Physalis hederifolia var. cordifolia)

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

Central and southwestern N. America - California to Colorado and Oklahoma, south tos, south to notthern Mexico.

Habitat

Found in a great variety of habitats, such as oak scrub, oak forest, pine forest, dry tropical forests, and dry shrublands, growing on rocky alluvial soils, and also on sandy-clay soil types; at elevations from 15 - 2,500 metres[, ].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[].

Edible Uses

Edible fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. The fruit can also be boiled in a small amount of water, crushed and used as a condiment[]. 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 fendleri 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.