Physalis is a diverse group of plants in the Solanaceae family, commonly known as uchuva, aguaymanto and camapu. The popular name is orange or chinese lanterns, and are used as ornamental plants because they provide a touch of color to autumn gardens.
They are edible berries that are close relatives of the tomato and share similar care needs., although some are edible and others are only used as ornamental plants since there is a great variety of them.
It is found in the wild in warm regions and is cultivated in various parts of the world. They offer a diversity of shapes, sizes and uses.
The documented species of physalis are quite distinct, displaying a wide variety of colors, sizes, flavors and textures, and They have unique botanical characteristics that differentiate them from each other.
Next, we will investigate some of the varieties within the physalis genus and discover their botanical characteristics.
Origin of physalis
Physalis plants are annuals, growing creeping as they age. There are numerous edible plants within the genus, which are considered rare and exotic, but it has more than 120 species, only approximately 15 of its varieties are of interest to cultivate.
They belong to the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, peppers, tobacco, and potatoes. the tomatillo y the eggplant, among others. The plants of this family have a similarity and a series of common agronomic characteristics.
It is native to the regions of Peru, Bolivia and South America. It arrived in Europe at the end of the 18th century. It reached the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa at the beginning of the 19th century, where It was nicknamed "uchuva" and became a staple food in the diet.
It is a perennial plant that can survive the winter if you keep it in a container indoors.
Features
Many species in the family have glandular trichomes, or hairs, on the tops of leaves and stems. These hairs secrete chemicals that repel herbivores.
They usually reach heights of 50 cm to 2 m depending on the variety, have robust stems and smooth or slightly rough bark. The leaves of the plants are heart-shaped and have bell-shaped flowers. They form a shell over the berry that when the fruit is formed is transformed into the well-known "Chinese lantern."
The berries are about the size of a cherry and are orange-yellow in colour, and are full of seeds inside.
It has a sour, sweet, fruity taste, like an exotic mix of pineapple, kiwi, passion fruit and currant.
The flowers sprout alone or in pairs in a leafy manner on the branches. The petals are white with green or yellowish markings. Many species of this plant have medicinal properties, used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Toxicity
As such, some bitter green parts of the plant are slightly poisonous and may cause abdominal cramps, although they are edible when ripe.
The green berries are poisonous and should not be eaten as they contain the alkaloid solanine. which can cause symptoms of poisoning however there are some exceptions such as tomatillos: Physalis ixocarpa, which can still be eaten when they are green.
One important thing is that all physalis plants are poisonous to pets, cats and dogs.
Featured species and their characteristics
Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
Known for its deep red calyx, which looks like a lantern, This species is cultivated mainly for ornamental purposes.
Its fruits, although edible and when ripe have a sweet and sour taste with a slight bitterness, are not as popular as those of other species.
It is a perennial plant that spreads by rhizomes, forming dense colonies. It has become a true symbol of autumn because its skin shines with an orange or deep red colour like Chinese lanterns.
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana)
physalis peruviana It is a species native to the Andes, produces small, round, yellow-orange fruits, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It has a sweet and sour taste, and is the tastiest and best-known species.
Its calyx, which protects the fruit, turns straw-coloured when ripe. It is a herbaceous plant that can reach up to 1 metre in height, with oval leaves and bell-shaped flowers.
They can grow in most climates from tropical to temperate., making it a great addition to any green space or garden.
Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa)
Originally from Mexico, this Physalis is grown mainly for its green or purple fruits, used in the preparation of sauces and other dishes.
They are known as husk tomatoes or jam tomatoes. The fruits can measure about 5 cm in diameter and come in violet and yellow colors. They have a flavor very similar to green apples, but are more acidic than sweet. Ideal for jams and sauces.
They ripen from September onwards as soon as the paper-like shell is opened. Some varieties can be eaten green.
Tomato (Physalis pruinosa)
Its flavor is reminiscent of a ripe pineapple, it grows very small and ripens before the cape gooseberry. produces abundant harvest of small yellow berries When they are ripe they fall from the bush.
Mexican tomato (Physalis philadelphica)
It is known as husk tomato and is originally from Mexico where it is grown as a vegetable. It is a species that is used in traditional Mexican dishes, but it is somewhat unknown in Europe. It produces dark purple, almost black fruits, and has a slightly spicy taste.
There are many other species of physalis, each with its own characteristics and uses. Some are wild, while others are cultivated in gardens and orchards.
Importance and uses
Physalis fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them nutritious and healthy foods.
For this reason, they are a very healthy snack because they are a source of vitamins: C, B3 and B12. They provide calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and are very rich in polyphenols and carotenoids.
They are consumed fresh, in preserves, jams, sauces and desserts. When dried they are very tasty and can be added as a garnish to dishes such as salads or for breakfast.
Some species are used in traditional medicine to treat conditions. such as inflammation, fever, and digestive problems.
It is also used in gardening as an ornamental plant.
Physalis plants are incredibly diverse, exhibiting a range of botanical characteristics.
The different species of these plants, often cultivated in warm and cold regions of the world, They differ in height, shape and colour of leaves, size and colour of petals, shape, colour, size and flavour of fruits and peel, and their possible culinary, horticultural and medicinal uses.
We have seen some of the most popular varieties that allow us to learn curiosities and facts about this exotic and unusual plant, but with many decorative uses and benefits for our health.