Cape Gooseberry

(Physalis peruviana)

Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana)

manuel m. v.

CC BY 2.0

Image By: manuel m. v.

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Physalis peruviana, commonly known as Cape Gooseberry, is an annual in temperate regions and perennial in the tropics, where it originates from the Andes. It is a member of the nightshade family, related to the tomato and tomatillo. As a perennial, it forms a diffusely branched shrub reaching 1–1.6 m (3 ft 3 in – 5 ft 3 in) in height, with spreading branches and velvety, heart-shaped leaves. The hermaphrodite flowers are bell-shaped, drooping, 15–20 mm (5⁄8–3⁄4 in) across, yellow with purple-brown spots internally. After pollination, the flowers develop into bright yellow to orange berries, each enclosed in an inflated, papery calyx, which are sweet and tart in flavor when ripe. Cape Gooseberry is notable for its unique fruit and has a long history of cultivation for culinary uses, including in jams, desserts, and as a fresh fruit.

Cape Gooseberry thrives in annual average temperatures from 13–18 °C (55–64 °F), tolerating up to 30 °C (86 °F). It is suited to Mediterranean climates and is hardy to USDA zone 8, where it may be damaged by frost. This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and grows best in well-drained sandy loam. It requires medium amounts of water and can tolerate a wide range of rainfall from 800–4,300 mm (31–169 in). While it can be grown from seeds, they have low germination rates; thus, propagation from year-old stem cuttings is recommended for earlier flowering and better yields. However, plants grown from cuttings are generally less vigorous than seed-grown plants. In cultivation, it can be used as an ornamental plant for its attractive lantern-like fruit, or in a fruit garden for its edible berries.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Originates from the Andes

Other Names

Common Names: Goldenberry, Peruvian Groundcherry, Peruvian Ground-Cherry, Peruvian-Cherry, Goldenberry, Gooseberry-Tomato, Cape-Gooseberry, Cape Gooseberry, Peruvian Cherry, Andenkirsche

Scientific Names: , Physalis peruviana, Physalis edulis, Physalis chenopodifolia, Physalis puberula, Physalis tuberosa, Physalis tomentosa, Physalis incana, Physalis esculenta, Alkekengi pubescens

GBIF Accepted Name: Physalis peruviana L.