Common Name: Ground Cherry

General Information

Physalis lanceolata is a decumbent or weakly ascending herbaceous perennial plant growing from a stout, rhizomatous rootstock. The slender stems are sparsely branched, the plant growing 20 - 40cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

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

Southeast N. America - North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia

Habitat

Dry open soil in old fields and waste places[]. Dry to xeric pine-oak-grass communities; at elevations from 100 - 200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal 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 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.

Bud clusters, harvested in the spring, used for food[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of head aches and stomach problems[]. The root has been used as a dressing for wounds[].

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.