Physalis pubescens facts for kids

Physalis pubescens is a cool flowering plant often called the husk tomato or hairy groundcherry. In Spanish, it's known as muyaca or capulí. This plant grows naturally in many parts of the Americas, from the southern United States all the way through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America. You might also find it in other places where it has been introduced, sometimes growing like a weed. It can grow well in many different environments, even in places where the ground has been disturbed.

Quick facts for kids Physalis pubescens
Physalis hederifolia var. comata
Scientific classification
Genus:	Physalis
Species:	pubescens
Synonyms
List Alicabon barbadense (Jacq.) Raf. Alkekengi procumbens Moench Alkekengi villosa Moench Boberella pubescens (L.) E.H.L.Krause Physalis angustiloba Waterf. Physalis barbadensis Jacq. Physalis barbadensis var. obscura (Michx.) Rydb. Physalis brasiliensis Sendtn. Physalis decumbens Dunal Physalis floridana Rydb. Physalis foetens Poir. Physalis foetidissima Lag. Physalis heterophylla Colla Physalis heterophylla var. timbo Dunal Physalis hirsuta Dunal Physalis hirsuta var. barbadensis (Jacq.) Dunal Physalis hylophila Standl. Physalis latiphysa Waterf. Physalis miraflorensis Dunal Physalis nodosa Lam. Physalis obscura Michx. Physalis obscura var. pubescens Pursh Physalis petiolaris Rusby Physalis pubescens var. minutifolia O.E.Schulz Physalis ramosa Mill. Physalis rothiana Nees Physalis staminea Muhl. ex Nees Physalis subulata Rydb. Physalis surinamensis Miq. Physalis turbinata Medik. Physalis villosa Mill. Physalis viscosa Elliott

How the Plant Grows

This plant is an annual herb, meaning it lives for only one growing season. It has a stem that can grow up to about 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. The stem is usually covered in tiny hairs and feels a bit sticky. The leaves are shaped like ovals or hearts and are about 3 to 9 centimeters long. Their edges can be smooth or slightly toothed.

Flowers and Fruit

The flowers of the husk tomato are bell-shaped and about one centimeter long. They grow where the leaves meet the stem. These flowers are bright yellow and have five dark spots inside their throats. They also have five stamens, which are parts that hold pollen, with blue tips.

After the flower blooms, the green parts at its base, called the sepals, start to grow bigger. They form an inflated, ribbed, lantern-like structure that is 2 to 4 centimeters long. This "lantern" protects the berry that grows inside.

Physalis pubescens - MHNT

Uses and Safety

The fruits of the husk tomato can be picked and then ripened for a few weeks. Once ripe, they can be used to make tasty pies or jelly. However, it's very important to know that unripe fruits and other green parts of the plant are not safe to eat and can make you sick. Always make sure the fruit is fully ripe before trying it.