Family: Solanaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 183 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Physalis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico, Bolivia to Brazil and S. South America
Description
The Grape ground-cherry, scientifically known as Physalis viscosa, is a fascinating perennial plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family, a group renowned for its diversity and economic significance.
Indigenous to a broad geographic range, the Grape ground-cherry can be found in the wilds of Mexico and stretches down through South America from Bolivia to Brazil, reaching as far as the southern regions of the continent. This widespread distribution suggests a hardy, adaptable species capable of thriving in various climatic conditions.
Physalis viscosa is celebrated for its distinctive fruits, which, like other members of the Physalis genus, are encased in a papery husk resembling a lantern. This unique feature not only provides an aesthetic appeal but also protects the fruit as it matures. The plant’s name, “Grape ground-cherry,” hints at its edible berries, which are often small, resembling grapes, and known for their tangy yet sweet flavor that is quite delightful.
The history of Physalis viscosa traces back to its initial description in 1753 by Linnaeus, a testament to its enduring presence in botanical literature. Over the centuries, its utility and charm have kept it in the spotlight not only of botanists but also of enthusiasts who appreciate its ornamental value and potential in edible landscaping.
Besides its culinary use, the Grape ground-cherry is also noted for its resilience. It’s a robust species that can be grown with relative ease, making it a candidate for cultivation outside its native habitat. The plant typically prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of environmental conditions, although, like most Solanaceae members, it thrives best in full sunlight.
Physalis viscosa is not just a plant of considerable cultural and aesthetic significance but also of ecological importance. It supports local biodiversity by providing food for various insects and possibly even birds, making it a valuable addition to gardens and restoration projects aimed at enhancing native flora.
In summary, the Grape ground-cherry or Physalis viscosa is a versatile, attractive, and valuable plant with a rich history and a bright future in both wild and cultivated landscapes. Its impressive adaptability and appealing fruit make it a noteworthy member of the Solanaceae family, continuing to capture the interest of botanists and gardeners alike.
Common Names
Fra: coqueret
Eng: starhair groundcherry, grape ground-cherry, grape groundcherry, groundcherry, perennial ground-cherry, stellate ground-cherry, sticky cape-gooseberry, sticky ground-cherry, sticky physalis, sticky-gooseberry
Deu: sternhaar-blasenkirsche
En: Grape ground-cherry, Perennial ground-cherry, Prairie ground-cherry, Stellate ground-cherry, Sticky Cape-gooseberry, Sticky ground-cherry, Sticky physalis, Sticky-gooseberry, Starhair groundcherry, Sticky goosberry, Grape groundcherry, Groundcherry, Yellow Henbane
Af: Klewerige appelliefie
Fr: Coqueret
De: Sternhaar-Blasenkirsche
Pt-br: Arrebenta-cavalo, Camambú, Balãozinho, Bucho-de-rã
Synonyms
- Physalis fuscomaculata (Dunal)
- Physalis lutea (Medik.)
- Physalis jacquinii (Link)
- Physalis glabriuscula (Dunal)
- Alkekengi fissum (Moench)
- Physalis mendocina (Phil.)
- Physalis ochroleuca (Salisb.)
- Cacabus parviflorus (Rusby)
- Physalis nutans (J.F.Gmel.)
- Physalis pensylvanica (L.)
- Physalis curassavica var. integrifolia (Dunal)
- Physalis viscosa var. fuscomaculata ((Dunal) Thell.)
- Physalis pubescens (Engelm. & A.Gray)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Argentina South (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Chile Central (native)
- Chile North (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Algeria (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Easter Is. (introduced)
- Free State (introduced)
- KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
- Lesotho (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
- Zimbabwe (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 6, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 6, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Sven (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2020 by Diana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Jean Burger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Gis Just (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Gis Just (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:817619-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341766)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Physalis viscosa L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
