Physalis angulata L.

  • Authority

    Acevedo-Rodríguez, Pedro & collaborators. 1996. Flora of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 78: 1-581.

  • Family

    Solanaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Physalis angulata L.

  • Description

    Species Description - Erect herb or subshrub 0.2-1 m tall, single-stemmed or many branched from base, with long taproot; branches herbaceous to slightly fleshy, angled, sometimes reddish-tinged, puberulent when young, the pith sometimes hollow. Leaf blades 2.5-10 x 1.7-5.5 cm, with ovate to elliptic outline, chartaceous, puberulent, the apex acute, obtuse or acuminate, the base narrowed, obtuse, to rounded, unequal; the margins sinuate, lobed or serrate-dentate. Flowers reflexed; peduncle stout, 5-10 mm long. Calyx green, bell-shaped, 3-6 mm long, puberulent to glabrous, the sepals triangular to triangular-ovate; corolla broadly funnel-shaped, 6.5-9 mm long, light yellow, with 5 brown, semiannular spots within, the limb obtusely 5-angled; stamens included, the anthers bluish to purplish, connivent. Fruiting calyx cone-shaped in outline, 2 - 3 cm long, 10-angled, the angles usually purplish-tinged; berry globose to ovoid, 7-10 mm long, yellowish green. Seeds numerous, beige, ca. 1 mm long.

  • Discussion

    Common name: ground cherry.

  • Distribution

    A common roadside weed, also found in open disturbed areas. Cmz Bay (A3076), Lameshur (A3212), Johns Folly (A3937). Also on Anegada, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda; widespread throughout temperate and tropical areas of the world.

    Saint John Virgin Islands of the United States South America| Saint Croix Virgin Islands of the United States South America| Saint Thomas Virgin Islands of the United States South America| Virgin Gorda Virgin Islands South America|