Physalis franchetii is a species in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) notable for the papery calyx that partly or fully encloses its fruit. As a Physalis, it belongs to a group of herbaceous plants whose fruits are often edible. Flowering occurs from July to October, and the lantern-like husks are the plant's most obvious feature through late summer and autumn. The genus includes species cultivated worldwide and native to the Americas and Australasia.

Chinese Lantern (Physalis franchetii) produces lantern-like papery husks around its fruit and flowers from July to October.

Physalis is a genus of approximately 75 to 90 flowering plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which are native to the Americas and Australasia. At least 46 species are endemic to Mexico.

Physalis franchetii

Chinese Lantern | Physalis franchetii

Physalis franchetii 'Gigantea' is a cultivar of Physalis notable for the genus's papery calyx that partly or completely encloses the fruit. Its flowers appear from July to October and develop into the lantern-like husks typical of Physalis. The plant belongs to the nightshade family and shares the upright, herbaceous form common to its relatives. Many species in the genus are grown for their edible fruit.

Physalis franchetii 'Gigantea' is a Physalis cultivar whose flowers appear July to October and develop into distinctive papery lantern-like calyces.