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Common Name: Bladder Ground Cherry

General Information

Physalis macrophysa is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many of the members have poisonous leaves and stems, though the full ripe fruits are usually edible[, ].

Botanical References

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Range

Southern N. America - Kansas to Arkansas, south to Texas.

Habitat

Bottoms, clearings etc[]. Rich soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 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 it should be possible to treat it as a tender annual, sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts[]. There is some confusion over the name of this species. It might be no more than a synonym for P. subglabrata, which itself might be no more than a sub-species of P virginiana. 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 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

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[].