Closely related to Physalis ixocarpa, this is probably the wild species that Physalis ixocarpa was derived from in cultivation[].

Common Name: Wild Tomatillo

General Information

Physalis philadelphica is an erect annual plant with spreading branches; it grows from a taproot, and is usually around 15 - 100cm tall[].
The edible fruit is gathered from the wild for local use, whilst the plant is sometimes also cultivated on a garden scale[].
Physalis phyladelphica is widespread in Mexico and Central America and it is possible to infer that the populations are stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].
Physalis phyladelphica is a common weed of cultivation.

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[].
All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are poisonous[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

C. America - Panama, El Salvador, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala through to northern Mexico; Caribbean - Cuba Haiti

Habitat

The plant grows in ruderal vegetation or as a weed. It is also found in moist or damp thickets, in pine-oak forests; at elevations up to 2,300 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Physalis philadelphica is a plant of the tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations up to 2,600 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 15 - 25°c, but can tolerate 8 - 31°c[]. It is not tolerant of frost[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 700 - 1,000mm, but tolerates 600 - 1,100mm[].
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 5 - 8[].
There are some named varieties[, ]. 'Purple de Milpa' has small purple-tinged fruits with a sharp flavour, they keep well[].
The plant can flower all year round when growing in frost-free climates[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. The fruits have a flavour reminiscent of tomato and are used in Mexican-style salsa[]. A delicious flavouring when used like a tomato and added to soups, stews etc[]. 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. The subglobose fruit can be 6cm in diameter[]. The fruit can be stored for up to a year if picked before they are fully ripe and left inside their calyx.

Medicinal

The juice from the berries has been used as an eyewash[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years[]. 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[].