Physalis philadelphica aka Tomatillo

Physalis philadelphica is an annual in the nightshade family. Gardeners know it as tomatillo or Mexican groundcherry. Its native range spans Mexico and Central America. It also includes Cuba and Haiti in the Caribbean. People grow it for food and gather wild fruit. It grows in damp thickets and pine-oak woods. It also grows as a weed on disturbed ground. Useful Tropical Plants reports its conservation status as Least Concern.

In gardens, plants reach 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 metres) tall and wide. Useful Tropical Plants gives a shorter range of 0.5–3.3 feet (0.15–1 metre). The plant has a taproot and spreading branches. It grows fast and can sprawl without support. A cage or trellis helps hold the stems upright. Green stems can form roots where they touch the soil. The green leaves are simple, with toothed edges. They grow in an alternate pattern along the stems.

Single yellow flowers hang from the leaf axils in summer. Their joined petals form a bell or star shape. The flower centres may look green or dark. Bees and other insects pollinate the blooms. Growing more than one plant helps improve fruit set. The round berries grow inside thin, papery calyces. These husks turn tan as the fruit matures. Fruit may be green or purple, with a tart, citrus-like taste. Ripe fruit stays firm and fills its husk. Plants keep bearing fruit until the first frost.

Give tomatillos full sun and rich soil that drains well. They prefer moist soil but can withstand some drought. Light shade is also an option in the cited sources. Heavy clay that stays wet gives poor results. Raised beds or pots offer other places to grow them. The preferred soil pH falls between 6 and 7. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. Still, this annual does not tolerate frost. Set out young plants after the last expected frost. Harvest can start about 60–75 days after planting out.

Tomatillos suit food gardens, and their husks add visual interest. NC State reports few pest or disease problems. Other sources note their tendency to grow as weeds. Eat only ripe fruit, and remove the toxic husk. The fruit works raw, cooked, or dried in food. Cooks use it in salsa, soups, stews, and meat dishes. All other plant parts are poisonous, according to NC State. Poisoning can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and breathing problems. Severe poisoning can be fatal. Plants For A Future records berry juice as a traditional eyewash.