Herb: Bladder Ground Cherry


Latin name: Physalis macrophysa


Synonyms: Physalis virginiana subglabrata


Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)



Edible parts of Bladder Ground Cherry:

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:
Perennial


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Bottoms, clearings etc. Rich soils.

Propagation of Bladder Ground Cherry:

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:

Bottoms, clearings etc. Rich soils.

Medicinal use of Bladder Ground Cherry:

None known

Known hazards of Physalis macrophysa:

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.