Herb latin name: Physalis foetens


Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)



Edible parts of Physalis foetens:

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.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Mountainous areas amongst junipers or pines, sometimes in open cultivated fields, 1500 - 2250 metres.

Propagation of Physalis foetens:

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 the herb:

Mountainous areas amongst junipers or pines, sometimes in open cultivated fields, 1500 - 2250 metres.

Medicinal use of Physalis foetens:

None known

Known hazards of Physalis foetens:

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.