95 Species in Genus Physalis

My Adventures with Physalis: More Than Just a Pretty Lantern

Hi, I’m Ferb Vu, and I have a confession: I’m a bit obsessed with Physalis. You might know them better as groundcherries, Cape gooseberries, or those intriguing little fruits wrapped in papery lanterns. But for me, they’re a source of endless fascination.

My journey with Physalis began innocently enough. I stumbled upon a peculiar plant while hiking in the Andes. Its vibrant orange fruits, encased in delicate husks, looked like miniature Chinese lanterns hanging from the branches. Intrigued, I plucked one and cautiously tasted it. The sweet, tangy flavor was an explosion in my mouth, unlike anything I’d ever experienced. From that moment on, I was hooked.

Unveiling the Diversity of Physalis

Physalis is a genus of about 95 flowering plants belonging to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It’s a diverse group, with species found across the Americas and even Australasia. What unites them is the unique, inflated calyx that encloses the berry like a protective shell. This characteristic “lantern” is not just visually striking; it also plays a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Here are:

  1. Physalis acutifolia (Miers) Sandwith
  2. Physalis aggregata Waterf.
  3. Physalis ampla Waterf.
  4. Physalis angulata L. Plant FAQs: Physalis Angulata
  5. Physalis angustifolia Nutt.
  6. Physalis angustior Waterf.
  7. Physalis angustiphysa Waterf.
  8. Physalis arborescens L.
  9. Physalis arenicola Kearney
  10. Physalis campanula Standl. & Steyerm.
  11. Physalis campechiana L.
  12. Physalis carnosa Standl. & Steyerm.
  13. Physalis caudella Standl.
  14. Physalis chenopodiifolia Lam.
  15. Physalis cinerascens (Dunal) Hitchc.
  16. Physalis cinerea Waterf.
  17. Physalis cordata Houst. ex Mill.
  18. Physalis coztomatl Moc. & Sessé ex Dunal
  19. Physalis crassifolia Benth.
  20. Physalis eggersii O.E.Schulz
  21. Physalis × elliottii Kunze
  22. Physalis fendleri A.Gray
  23. Physalis filipendula Brandegee
  24. Physalis flava Wiggins
  25. Physalis glabra Benth.
  26. Physalis glutinosa Schltdl.
  27. Physalis gracilis Miers
  28. Physalis greenmanii Waterf.
  29. Physalis grisea (Waterf.) M.Martínez
  30. Physalis halicacabum Crantz
  31. Physalis hastatula Waterf.
  32. Physalis hederifolia A.Gray
  33. Physalis heterophylla Nees Plant FAQs: Physalis Heterophylla
  34. Physalis hintonii Waterf.
  35. Physalis hirsuta M.Martens & Galeotti
  36. Physalis hunzikeriana M.Martínez
  37. Physalis ignota Britton
  38. Physalis ingrata Standl.
  39. Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem.
  40. Physalis jaliscensis Waterf.
  41. Physalis lagascae Roem. & Schult.
  42. Physalis lanceolata Michx.
  43. Physalis lassa Standl. & Steyerm.
  44. Physalis latecorollata Waterf.
  45. Physalis leptophylla B.L.Rob. & Greenm.
  46. Physalis lignescens Waterf.
  47. Physalis longicaulis Waterf.
  48. Physalis longifolia Nutt.
  49. Physalis longiloba O.Vargas, M.Martínez & Dávila
  50. Physalis longipedicellata Waterf.
  51. Physalis macrosperma Pyne, E.L.Bridges & Orzell
  52. Physalis mcvaughii Waterf.
  53. Physalis melanocystis (B.L.Rob.) Bitter
  54. Physalis michoacanensis Waterf.
  55. Physalis microcarpa Urb. & Ekman
  56. Physalis mimulus Waterf.
  57. Physalis minimaculata Waterf.
  58. Physalis minuta Griggs
  59. Physalis missouriensis Mack. & Bush
  60. Physalis mollis Nutt.
  61. Physalis muelleri Waterf.
  62. Physalis neomexicana Rydb.
  63. Physalis nicandroides Schltdl.
  64. Physalis orizabae Dunal
  65. Physalis parvianthera Waterf.
  66. Physalis patula Mill.
  67. Physalis pennellii Waterf.
  68. Physalis peruviana L. Plant FAQs: Physalis Peruviana
  69. Physalis philadelphica Lam.
  70. Physalis philippensis Fernald
  71. Physalis porphyrophysa Donn.Sm.
  72. Physalis pringlei Greenm.
  73. Physalis pruinosa L. Plant FAQs: Physalis Pruinosa
  74. Physalis pubescens L.
  75. Physalis pumila Nutt.
  76. Physalis purpurea Wiggins
  77. Physalis queretaroensis M.Martínez & L.Hern.
  78. Physalis quillabambensis D.Medina
  79. Physalis rydbergii Fernald
  80. Physalis sancti-josephi Dunal
  81. Physalis solanacea (Schltdl.) Axelius
  82. Physalis sordida Fernald
  83. Physalis stapelioides (Decne. ex Regel) Bitter
  84. Physalis subilsiana J.M.Toledo
  85. Physalis subrepens Waterf.
  86. Physalis sulphurea (Fernald) Waterf.
  87. Physalis tamayoi O.Vargas, M.Martínez & Dávila
  88. Physalis tehuacanensis Waterf.
  89. Physalis turbinatoides Waterf.
  90. Physalis vestita Waterf.
  91. Physalis victoriana J.M.Toledo
  92. Physalis virginiana Mill. Plant FAQs: Virginia Groundcherry – Physalis Virginiana
  93. Physalis viscosa L.
  94. Physalis volubilis Waterf.
  95. Physalis walteri Nutt.

Beyond the Edible: Exploring the Potential of Physalis

While many Physalis species are known for their edible fruits, the genus has much more to offer. Researchers are exploring the potential of Physalis in various fields, including medicine and agriculture.

Some studies suggest that Physalis fruits possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to their high concentration of vitamins and phytochemicals. Others are investigating the potential of Physalis extracts in treating diseases like diabetes and cancer.

In agriculture, Physalis species are being studied for their resistance to pests and diseases. This could make them valuable crops in areas where conventional crops struggle to thrive.

My Ongoing Quest for Physalis Knowledge

My fascination with Physalis has only grown stronger over time. I’ve spent countless hours poring over botanical journals, scouring farmers’ markets for unusual varieties, and even attempting to cultivate my own Physalis plants (with varying degrees of success!).

What draws me to Physalis is not just its culinary appeal or potential health benefits, but also its resilience and adaptability. These plants can thrive in diverse environments, from the high Andes to my own backyard. They remind me of the incredible diversity and ingenuity of the natural world.

My journey with Physalis is far from over. I’m eager to continue exploring the hidden depths of this fascinating genus, uncovering its secrets, and sharing my discoveries with the world. Who knows what other surprises Physalis has in store for me?

Scroll to Top