Ground ivy

Ground Cherry

The Ground Cherry is a common name for a variety of species within the Physalis genus, in the Solanaceae family. These species are native to warm temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world. The name "ground cherry" comes from the characteristic of the fruit, which falls to the ground when it is ripe.

Description

Ground cherries are small, round fruits enclosed in a papery husk, similar to a small tomato. The fruit is typically yellow to orange in color and has a sweet-tart flavor. The plants are typically perennial herbs, and they grow in a bushy form up to 1 meter tall.

Cultivation and Uses

Ground cherries are cultivated in many parts of the world for their edible fruit. The fruit is used in a variety of culinary applications, including pies, jams, jellies, and sauces. In addition to their culinary uses, ground cherries are also used in traditional medicine in some cultures. For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, ground cherries are used to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammation, coughs, and skin diseases.

Species

There are many species of ground cherries, including:

• Physalis peruviana, also known as the Cape gooseberry or Peruvian ground cherry
• Physalis pruinosa, also known as the strawberry ground cherry or husk tomato
• Physalis pubescens, also known as the hairy ground cherry or bladder cherry

Each species has its own unique characteristics and uses.

Conservation Status

While many species of ground cherries are common and not considered threatened, some are rare and have been classified as endangered. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these species and their habitats.

See Also

• Tomatillo
• Chinese Lantern Plant
• Solanaceae