Physalis missouriensis
| Physalis missouriensis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Physalis missouriensis
Propagation: Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away well. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination[1].
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though it should be possible to treat it as a tender annual, sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts[K]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[2].
Range: Southern N. America - Mississippi, north-eastern Kansas, western Arkansas[3].
Habitat: Rocky woods, limestone barrens[1] and cultivated ground[3].
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked[1]. The fruit is up to 20mm in diameter[4]. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements. This calyx is toxic and should not be eaten.
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many of the members have poisonous leaves and stems, though the full ripe fruits are usually edible[5][6].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Dremann, Craig. Ground Cherries, Husk Tomatoes and Tomatilloes. Redwood City Seed Company, 1985.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lyndon, Merritt. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co, 1950.
- ↑ Britton, Nathaniel and Addison Brown. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada. Dover Publications, 1970.
- ↑ Stary, Frantisek. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn, 1983.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.