Physalis viscosa

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Physalis viscosa BB-1913

Physalis viscosa is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is commonly known as the sticky groundcherry or starhair groundcherry. This plant is native to the Americas but has spread to other regions, becoming naturalized in some areas.

Description

Physalis viscosa is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm. The plant is characterized by its sticky, hairy stems and leaves, which are covered in glandular trichomes. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, with a slightly toothed margin.

The flowers of Physalis viscosa are yellow and bell-shaped, with five petals. They are borne singly in the leaf axils. The fruit is a small, yellow to orange berry encased in a papery husk, which is a distinctive feature of the genus Physalis.

Habitat and Distribution

Physalis viscosa is found in a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, roadsides, and fields. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. The plant is native to the Americas, with a range extending from the southern United States to South America. It has also been introduced to other regions, including parts of Europe and Asia.

Ecology

The flowers of Physalis viscosa are pollinated by insects, particularly bees. The plant produces a large number of seeds, which are dispersed by animals that eat the fruit. The sticky nature of the plant helps it to adhere to animals and humans, aiding in seed dispersal.

Uses

While not as commonly used as some other species in the genus, Physalis viscosa has been used in traditional medicine in some cultures. The fruit is edible but is generally considered to be of lower quality compared to other Physalis species such as Physalis peruviana (Cape gooseberry).

Related Species

Physalis viscosa is closely related to several other species in the genus Physalis, including:

• Physalis peruviana
• Physalis philadelphica
• Physalis alkekengi

Related Pages

• Solanaceae
• Physalis
• Perennial plant
• Pollination
• Seed dispersal