This species is not accepted in Plants of the World online (https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:195426-2 Accessed 23/04/2024), which treats it as a synonym of Physalis pubescens. However, it is accepted as valid by Martínez M. et al in Taxonomic revision of Physalis in Mexico[] and so is retained here at present[].

Common Name:

General Information

Physalis latiphysa is a branched, annual plant growing from 15 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food
Physalis latiphysa has a wide distribution in Mexico and the southern United States of America. Although the threats are no known, the species appears to tolerate some degree of perturbation. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

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

Southern N. America - southern Arizona, northwest Mexico.

Habitat

Disturbed habitats, tropical dry forests and secondary vegetation; at elevations from 50 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. We are not sure if this species is an annual or perennial, but it should be possible to treat it as an annual, sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The brown, globose fruit is around 13 - 17mm 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

This species is a wild relative of, and potential gene donor to the crops tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa), low-ground cherry (Physalis pubescens), and Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana)[].

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.