Herb: Cutleaf Ground Cherry


Latin name: Physalis angulata


Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)



Medicinal use of Cutleaf Ground Cherry:

The plant is diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge. The leaves have been used to treat stomach disorders.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
75 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Borders of woods and thickets, cultivated soil and waste places. Rich soils.

Edible parts of Cutleaf Ground Cherry:

Edible fruit - raw or cooked. Juicy and sub-acid. The fruit is up to 30mm in diameter. 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. Young leaves - cooked as a potherb. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow March/April 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.

Cultivation of Cutleaf Ground Cherry:

Borders of woods and thickets, cultivated soil and waste places. Rich soils.

Known hazards of Physalis angulata:

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.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.