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(Nicandra physalodes)
Apple-Of-Peru (Nicandra physalodes)
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Annika Lindqvist
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Annika Lindqvist
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Annika Lindqvist | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Annika Lindqvist | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-04-07T14:32:37-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Nicandra physalodes, commonly known as Apple-of-Peru or Shoo-fly plant, is an annual herb native to Peru and can be found in a variety of habitats including disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in agricultural land in western South America. It typically grows up to 3 feet tall and can spread to a width of 1-2 feet. The plant features coarse, ovate leaves and bell-shaped violet flowers with white throats that bloom in summer and early fall. The flowers are followed by a distinctive inflated papery husk that encloses the fruit, resembling a Chinese lantern. Apple-of-Peru is noted for its insect-repellent properties, particularly against whiteflies, and is sometimes used in companion planting for this purpose.
In cultivation, Nicandra physalodes is valued for its unique appearance and its ability to deter certain pests. It is often grown in borders, ornamental gardens, and as a natural insect repellent. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring only moderate watering once established. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can self-seed prolifically and become weedy. It is also potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Nicandra physalodes is valued for its unique appearance and its ability to deter certain pests. It is often grown in borders, ornamental gardens, and as a natural insect repellent. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring only moderate watering once established. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can self-seed prolifically and become weedy. It is also potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-4 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Variety of habitats including disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in agricultural land in western South America
Other Names
Common Names: Shoo-fly plant, Peruvian bluebell, Broadleaf-Nightshade
Scientific Names: , Nicandra physalodes, Atropa daturifolia, Atropa physalodes, Boberella nicandra, Calydermos erosus, Nicandra brevicorollata, Nicandra macrocalyx, Nicandra minor, Nicandra nana
GBIF Accepted Name: