About
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.
About the genus
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. Cultivated and weedy species have been introduced worldwide.
Wikipedia contributors, "Physalis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Physalis
In the garden
Physalis franchetii 'Gigantea' is a cultivated form within the genus Physalis, a group in the nightshade family that includes roughly 75–90 species. Members of the genus are native to the Americas and Australasia, with a large number of species endemic to Mexico; cultivated and weedy types have been spread to many other regions. The defining botanical feature is a calyx that expands into a papery husk, which partly or completely encloses the developing fruit. Plants in the genus are herbaceous and typically present a more upright stem than some other solanums; many Physalis species reach heights within a broad herbaceous range. Flowers open from July to October, after which the characteristic lantern-like calyces form around the fruit. Several species have been selected for cultivation because their fruits are edible, and international trade exists for commercially grown types. In a UK planting scheme, Physalis forms are used where the seasonal lantern effect or fruit are desired; the upright habit suits the rear of mixed borders or a dedicated productive plot. Because cultivated and weedy Physalis have been introduced widely, monitor plants for self-seeding if you want to control spread. Watch the formation of the papery calyces from mid-summer to autumn as the clearest sign that fruit development is underway.
More in the Physalis genus
- Physalis alkekengiiChinese Lantern
- Physalis franchetiiChinese Lantern
- Physalis philadelphica 'Violet Tomatillo' (F)
