Physalis peruviana aka Cape Gooseberry

Physalis peruviana is a fruit plant from South America. It belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Gardeners know it as Cape gooseberry or goldenberry. Sources place its home range across several South American countries. These include Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and northwest Brazil. It grows near coasts and on disturbed ground. People grow it for fruit in tropical and subtropical regions. It has also become naturalised in many other regions.

In gardens, it reaches about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall and wide. Useful Tropical Plants gives a wider height range. Its plants range from 1.6–6.6 feet [0.5–2 metres] tall. The plant forms a loose bush with many branches. Its soft leaves bear fine hairs. RHS describes it as a deciduous herbaceous perennial. Useful Tropical Plants describes lasting stems that become woody at their base. It may stay evergreen in warm climates. Cold weather can kill the stems, which may regrow from below.

Small yellow flowers have dark brown centres. RHS places flowering in the middle and end of summer. Orange berries follow, each inside a dry, paper-like husk. This husk is the calyx and has a lantern shape. Bees and wind help pollinate the flowers. The plant is also self-fertile. People eat the fruit fresh or cook it in desserts. It also serves for jams, jellies and fruit preserves. Dried fruit can take the place of raisins. Do not eat the husk or other plant parts. PFAF identifies all parts except the fruit as poisonous.

Give this plant a sheltered spot with full sun. Useful Tropical Plants also reports success in light shade. RHS lists sandy and loamy soils across the pH range. The soil should drain well while retaining some moisture. Support the loose branches as they grow. Sow seeds indoors at the start of spring. Plant outdoors in mild areas once frost risk has passed. A cool greenhouse offers another growing site. RHS rates it H2, so it cannot withstand freezing. Useful Tropical Plants reports some tolerance of light frost. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12.

Cape gooseberry suits informal beds, patios and containers. Its flowers supply nectar and draw bees and butterflies. Birds and mammals can feed on its fruit. The foliage can also provide cover for small wildlife. RHS reports few problems with pests or disease. Plants reach mature size within one to two years. Divide plants in spring, or raise new plants from seed. After the fruit harvest, cut stems back to ground level.