Physalis
Physalis is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae, which includes the tomato, eggplant, and potato. The genus is characterized by its small, round fruits encased in a papery husk, which is derived from the calyx. The name "Physalis" is derived from the Greek word for bladder, referring to the shape of the husk.
Description[edit | edit source]
Physalis plants are herbaceous and can be either annual or perennial. They typically grow to a height of 0.4 to 3 meters. The leaves are simple, often with a slightly serrated edge. The flowers are usually yellow with dark spots in the center, and they give way to the distinctive fruit encased in a husk.
Species[edit | edit source]
There are approximately 75 to 90 species within the genus Physalis. Some of the most well-known species include:
- Physalis peruviana - Commonly known as the Cape gooseberry or goldenberry.
- Physalis philadelphica - Known as the tomatillo, widely used in Mexican cuisine.
- Physalis alkekengi - Also known as the Chinese lantern plant, often grown for ornamental purposes.
Distribution and Habitat[edit | edit source]
Physalis species are native to the Americas, with a range extending from Canada to South America. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and disturbed areas. Some species have become naturalized in other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.
Cultivation and Uses[edit | edit source]
Physalis plants are cultivated for their edible fruits, which are rich in vitamins A and C. The fruits can be eaten raw or used in a variety of culinary applications, such as jams, jellies, and sauces. The tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a staple in Mexican cuisine, particularly in the preparation of salsa verde.
Medicinal Uses[edit | edit source]
Some species of Physalis have been used in traditional medicine. For example, Physalis alkekengi has been used in Chinese medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Categories[edit | edit source]
| Physalis | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
