Physalis viscosa aka Grape Ground Cherry

Physalis viscosa, or sticky ground cherry, belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. This perennial grows to about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Its native range includes Mexico and much of South America. There, it extends from Bolivia through Brazil into southern regions. These include parts of Chile, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Kew places it within the seasonally dry tropical biome. People gather its fruit from wild plants for local use.

Its habitats include coastal dunes and sandy woods near coasts. It also grows in pine lands, prairies and moist soils. In gardens, it accepts many soils if they drain well. Choose full sun or a site with light shade. These needs allow some choice in where to grow it. The evidence gives no frost limit or winter hardiness zone. It also gives no firm mature width for garden plants.

Insects pollinate the flowers, which lead to edible fruit. Each fruit grows within a husk called a calyx. This cover helps shield the fruit from pests and weather. The fruit has thin skin and holds plenty of juice. Its taste recalls cherries, with a mild tart edge. People eat the fruit fresh or use it in cooked dishes. Remove the calyx before use; it is toxic, not food. The edible fruit does not make the husk safe to eat.

The plant also has a record of local medicinal use. Traditional accounts describe the fruit as a laxative and diuretic. They report its use for urinary problems, fever and gout. Other accounts describe using leaves and stems for fever. A tea from dried above-ground parts has served for gut cramps. People have also placed the root on wounds. These records describe past uses, not proof of safe treatment. They do not establish doses or show that these treatments work.

Growers can raise this plant from seed or spring divisions. Sow seeds in containers or in a seedbed. Changes between day and night warmth can help seeds sprout. Move seedlings to their final site at about 0.3 feet [0.08–0.10 metres] tall. For division, take young side shoots with some underground growth attached. Shoots with roots offer a useful starting point. Keep potted divisions shaded and humid while they establish.