Physalis grisea

Physalis grisea is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is commonly known as the Desert Groundcherry or Gray Groundcherry. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and woodlands.

Description

The Physalis grisea is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, and the flowers are yellow with a dark center. The fruit is a berry enclosed in a papery husk, which is characteristic of the genus Physalis.

Distribution and Habitat

Physalis grisea is found in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. It also extends into northern Mexico. This plant prefers sandy or rocky soils and is often found in desert scrub, grasslands, and woodlands.

Uses

The fruit of the Physalis grisea is edible and has been used by Native American tribes as a food source. The fruit is sweet and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is also used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Physalis grisea is not currently evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many desert plants, it may be threatened by habitat loss due to human activities.

See Also

• Physalis peruviana
• Physalis alkekengi
• Physalis philadelphica

References

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