Cape Gooseberry

1. Cape Gooseberry Classification

Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular Plants)

Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed Plants)

Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering Plants)

Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)

Subclass: Asteridae

Order: Solanales

Family: Solanaceae (Potato Family)

Genus: Physalis L.

Species: Physalis peruviana L.

In Species Plantarum, Editio Secunda 2: 1670. 1763.
Synonyms:

• Alkekengi pubescens Moench
• Boberella peruviana (L.) E.H.L. Krause
• Boberella pubescens (L.) E. H. L. Krause in Sturm
• Physalis chenopodifolia Lam.
• Physalis edulis Sims
• Physalis esculenta Salisb.
• Physalis latifolia Lam.
• Physalis peruviana var. latifolia (Lam.) Dunal
• Physalis tomentosa Medik.

Cultivars: Physalis peruviana L. cv. ‘edulis’.

This form has larger fruits than the species but flowers later.

Related Species:

• Physalis acutifolia (Miers) Sandwith
• Physalis alkekengii L. “farol chino”.
• Physalis angulata L. “kòkmòl”
• Physalis chenopodifolia Lam.
• Physalis cordata Mill.
• Physalis crassifolia Benth.
• Physalis hederifolia A. Gray
• Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem. “tomatillo”, “tomate mejicano de cáscara”, “miltomate”, “jamberry”.
• Physalis lagascae Roem. & Schult.
• Physalis minima L. “cape gooseberry”
• Physalis philadelphica Lam.
• Physalis pruinosa L. “dwarf cape gooseberry”, “tomate fresa”, “ground cherry”.
• Physalis pubescens L. “manman lanman”
• Physalis ramosissima Mill

Observation: Various species of Physalis spp. have been subject to much confusion in literature and in the trade. A plant species known as tomatillo has been known to botanists for nearly 400 years as Physalis philadelphica Lam. Francisco Hernandez in 1651 described two varieties from numerous plant types called tomate by the Aztecs. Botanists have suggested that the small-fruited miltomate is a wild-type plant, whereas, the tomatillo is a domesticated plant that derives from plants similar, if not identical, to miltomate (Hudson 1986).

The specific boundaries in Physalis are poorly defined with some duplication of names and many changes in the nomenclature during the last 50 years. The complexity of the genus is caused mainly by the wide range of genetic variability present presumably resulting from interspecific hybridization (Menzel 1951, 1957; Waterfall 1958) and also by the ambiguity of the earlier taxonomic descriptions (Raja-Rao 1979). For example, Physalis aequata Jacq. and Physalis capsicifolia Rydb are considered synonymous with Physalis ixocarpa Brot ex Hornem.

To clarify the taxonomic classification of Physalis, Menzel (1951, 1957) and Waterfall (1967) made extensive cytologic and taxonomic studies of the genus. Menzel reduced Physalis philadelphica to synonymy under the variable Physalis ixocarpa, a name that had to come to be widely used for the domesticated tomatillo (Hudson 1986).

The only apparent difference between the two species was the length of the peduncle, with the peduncle of Physalis ixocarpa shorter than that of Physalis philadelphica. Waterfall (1958) accepted this nomenclature when studying the species of North Mexico, but he reversed himself when he analyzed Physalis spp. from Mexico and Central America (Waterfall 1967). He incorporated the small-flowered Physalis ixocarpa within the broader limits of Physalis philadelphica. Fernandes (1974) made a thorough investigation of this nomenclatural problem and concluded that Physalis ixocarpa is a distinct species, different from Physalis philadelphica based on previous cytological evidence, the distinctive stigma, and the small flowers of the type.

Chromosome morphology has recently been used to understand the interspecific relationships in the genus. Gottschalk (1954), Raja-Rao (1979), Venkateswarlu and Raja-Rao (1977, 1979a, b), and Raja-Rao and Lydia-Prasad (1984) studied the morphology of chromosomes during the pachytene stage with most important Physalis spp. and demonstrated cytological differences between the species. Nevertheless, the taxonomic complexity of the genus is not yet clarified

Common Names:

· “Cape gooseberry”, “cape gooseberry” “Peruvian ground-cherry”, “Peruvian groundcherry”, “Peruvian-cherry”, “Inca berry”, “poha”, “poha berry”, “wild tomato”, “winter cherry”, “hog weed”, “husk tomato”, “husktomato”, “husk cherry”, “ground cherry”, “golden berry”, “gooseberry-tomato”, “goudbes”, “tomatillo”, “jamberry”; South Africa “cape gooseberry”, “golden berry”, “pompelmoes”, “apelliefie”.

Physalis ixocarpa: (syn. Physalis aequata): “Mexican husk tomato”, “Mayan husk tomato”.

· Spanish: Peru “aguaymanto”, “capulí”, “ahuaimanto”, “ahuaymantu”, “pasa capulí”, “tomate silvestre”, “aguayllumantu”, “uchuba”, “uchuva”, “mullaca”, “bolsa mullaca”, “camapu”, “capulí cimarrón”, “alquequenje”.

Bolivia “capulí”, “motojobobo embolsado”.

Chile “capuli”, “tomatón”, “amor en bolsa”, “bolsa de amor”.

Colombia “uvilla”, “uchuva”, “vejigón”, “guchavo”.

Ecuador “uvilla”.

Guatemala“miltomate”.

Mexico “cereza del Perú”, “tomate de cáscara”, “tomate de fresadilla”, “tomate milpero”, “tomate verde”, “tomatillo”, “miltomate”.

Venezuela “topotopo”, “chuchuva”.

Physalis ixocarpa (syn. Physalis aequata): “tomate de cáscara”, “tomate verde”, “tomate Mexicano”, “tomate de fresadilla”, “tomate de culebra”, “tomatillo”, “miltomate”, “farolito”.

· French: “capuli”, “coqueret du Perou”, “groseiller du cap”; Gabon “alkekengi”, “coqueret”.

· Cook Islands: “tūpera”.

· Crèole: “kòkmòl”, “batter autour”, “manman lanman”.

· Fiji: “botebote yadra”, “mbotembote yandra”, “kospeli”, “maulaqua”, “maulanggua”, “tukiyadra”, “tukiyandra”.

· French Polynesia: “tupere”.

· Hawaiian: “poha”, “pohā”, “pa'ina”.

· Hindi: “teparee”, “tiparee”, “makowi”; (Physalis minima, a closely related species): Andhra Pradesh “kupanti”, “budda”, Bengal “budamma”; “ban tipariya”; Gujrat “parpoti”, “popti”; Himachal Pradesh “rasbhary”; Hindi “tulati pati”; Karnataka “gudde hannu”; Kerala “njodi njotta”; Maharashtra “chirboti”, “dhan mori”; Tamilnadu “tholtakalli”.

· Kiribati: “te baraki”, “te bin”.

· Niue: “manini”.

· Philippine: “lobolobohan”.

· Tonga: “ku'usi”.

· Others: “juá-de-capote”, “battre-autour”, “k'u chih”, “'urmoa batoto bita”, “cecendet”, “dumadu harachan”, “nvovo”, “polopa”, “saca-buche”, “thongtheng”, “tino-tino”, “topatop”, “wapotok”, “poha”, “topo topo”.

2. Cape Gooseberry Description

Habit: Perennial herb or soft-wooded small herbaceous shrub, erect, up to 1 m in height (but occasionally may attain 1.8 m or 6 ft), straggly with age, and similar to the common tomato. This herb spreads 1 m to 1.2 m (3 to 4 feet) wide. Branches spreading, ribbed, alternate, often purplish. All parts densely pubescent with erect, simple or glandular hairs up to 1 mm long.

Physalis minima, a closely related species native to India, is a small, delicate, erect, annual, pubescent herb, 1.5 meters tall. Internodal length is 8.2 cm. More or less, the whole plant is pubescent.
Physalis pruinosa, a closely related species, is 45 cm to 50 cm (18 to 20 inches) high and 60 cm to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) wide. It is smaller and more manageable than Physalis peruviana L.
Physalis ixocarpa, a closely related species native to Mexico, grows up to 90 cm (3 feet) high and its branches are covered in heart-shaped, elongated leaves with long stems.
Physalis philadelphica, other closely related species native to Mexico, is an annual of 15 cm to 60 cm; it is subglabrous, sometimes with sparse hairs on the stem.

Leaves: Simple, alternate (nearly opposite), 6 cm to 15 cm (2 3/8 in to 6 in) long and 4 cm to 10 cm (1 1/2 to 4 in) wide, velvety (pubescent), usually geminate, 1 larger than the other, ovate-acuminate or heart-shaped, base cordate, and apex acuminate (pointed). They appear irregularly along the stems (Moriconi et al. 1990), the margins are entire or rarely with a few blunt lobes and randomly-toothed. The petioles are 2 cm to 3 cm long.

Leaves of Physalis minima are 9.7 cm long and 8.1 cm broad, ovate to cordate, pubescent, delicate, exstipulate, acuminate, with reticulate palmate venation and undulate margins. The dorsal surface of the leaves is dark green and the ventral surface, light green. They are petiolate (the petiole is 4.1 cm long).

The leaf lamina of Physalis philadelphica is 9 mm to 13 mm x 6 mm to 10 mm. Its apices are acute to slightly acuminate, with irregularly dentate margins and two to six teeth on each side of the main tooth, of 3 mm to 8 mm.

Flowers: Solitary in the leaf axils, small, perfect, actinomorphic, pentamerous, bell-shaped, cream or yellow, pedicellate, nodding, 2 cm (3/4 in) wide, with 5 dark purple-brown spots in the throat; calyx purplish-green, hairy, 5-pointed 5-lobed, veins often prominent, lobes acuminate-triangular, near 1 cm long, distinct at apex.

The flowers are hermaphrodite (with both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees and wind.

After the flower falls, the calyx expands, ultimately forming a straw-colored husk much larger than the fruit it encloses.

The corolla is yellow with well-defined purplish brown spots at base, 15 mm to 20 mm in diameter, the limb rotate or shallowly 5-lobed, the tube swollen into shallow nectary pouches between the filaments, densely pubescent with pale yellowish dendritic hairs below the spots and around the nectaries. The style is 5 mm to 7 mm long. 

The flowers of Physalis minima are pedicellate having 1.2 cm long pedicel. They are hermaphrodite, complete, solitary, small campanulate, 1.2 cm to 1.4 cm in diameter.

The calyx is gamosepalous, 5-toothed, actinomorphic, green, persistent, and downy.

The corolla is campanulate and gamopetalous with five petals, the petal cup, 1.1 cm to 1.3 cm long, yellow, having five black or purple to purplish brown spots on yellow ground in the middle of the corolla cup.

The stamens are five, epipetalous, 6 mm to 7 mm long, having a black filament and greenish-yellow anther lobes.

The style is black, 9 mm long, having a yellowish stigma at the top and a yellowish round ovary at the base.

The flowers appear in acropetal succession, i.e. the lower flowers appear and form fruits earlier than the upper ones, which emerge as well as set fruit later.

The corolla of Physalis philadelphica is 8 mm to 32 mm in diameter, yellow and sometimes has faint greenish blue or purple spots. The anthers are blue or greenish blue. The calyx is accrescent, reaching 18 mm to 53 mm x 11 mm to 60 mm in the fruit, and has ten ribs. The fruit is 12 mm to 60 mm x 10 mm to 48 mm in size and sometimes tears the calyx.

Fruit: A globose, small, 2-locular, light yellowish to orange, aromatic, succulent, edible berry, 1.25 cm to 2.5 cm (½- to 1 inch) in diameter, the size of a cherry tomato, with smooth, glossy, orange-yellow skin and juicy pulp, and like tomatoes, containing many tiny yellowish seeds inside. The berry is encased in the inflated long, papery, tan husk (calyx) which is 3 cm to 3.5 cm in length.

Seeds numerous, pale brown, discoid, 1.75 mm to 2 mm long, minutely shallowly reticulate, embryo curved, endosperm present (Wagner et al., 1999).

The fruits are ripe when they turn yellow-gold. Unripe fruits are green. When they are ripe, the fruit is sweet but with a pleasing grape-like tang. The husk is bitter and inedible. The fruits are covered or encased in a loose, papery husk shaded with purple, which is the persistent calyx, and protects them from external injury. They resemble yellow cherry tomatoes.

The fruit and husk will naturally dehisce (drop) with a good shake when they are fully ripe or nearly so. They are the sweetest when completely ripe. There are 5,000 to 8,000 seeds to the ounce (28 g).

The fruit of Physalis minima is a berry, enclosed within the enlarged, 10-ribbed, reticulately veined calyx, which is 4.1 cm long and 2.5 cm broad.

The berries are stalked (stalk, 2.2 cm long), almost round having a pinhead-sized depression at the end. They are 1.4 cm to 1.6 cm in diameter, weigh 2.15 g and occupy a volume of 1.32 mL. Fruits are light yellow at full maturity.

The seeds are globose and yellow. They weigh 1.13 mg each and occupy a volume of 1.97 microlitres.

The fruits of Physalis pruinosa are a lot like those of Physalis peruviana in flavor and size, but the husks are tight fitting and they curl back to expose the ripe fruits. The fruits of this plant also drop when they are ripe.

The fruits of Physalis ixocarpa are shiny, flattened and greenish-yellow purple or reddish when ripe. They range in size from 13 cm to 50 cm (½ to 2 inches) in diameter. They are encased in papery husks. The husks split, but do not fall off, as the fruits mature and take on a purplish hue.

The flavor of Physalis ixocarpa increases with maturity. They are harvested after the husks split. Fruits that feel too hard should be set aside to finish ripening.

3. Cape Gooseberry Origin, Distribution and Ecology

Origin: Many annual herbs within the genus Physalis are indigenous to many parts of the tropics, including the Amazon.

Physalis peruviana L., a South American species, is native to the Amazon basin (Brazil and Peru), although it has spread and naturalized to highland areas of Peru and Chile.

Physalis minima L., a closely related species, is native to India and other parts of tropical Asia.

Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem., other closely related species, is a native of Mexico.

Physalis angulata L. and Physalis pubescens L., two other closely related species, are native to Tropical America.

Distribution: Physalis peruviana can be found in most continents in the tropics, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It has naturalized in tropical regions around the world (including Hawaii) and it has been widely introduced into cultivation in other tropical, subtropical and even temperate areas. It is said to succeed wherever tomatoes can be grown.In South America, Physalis peruviana has been reported in Peru, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.

In New Zealand Physalis peruviana plants are grown on a few small properties. Production is small and fruit is supplied mainly to the local market. This plant species is also resent on Pacific Islands.

According to Duthie (1905), Physalis minima, a closely related species native to India, also grows in Afghanistan, Baluchistan, tropical Africa, Australia, Ceylon, etc.

In the United States, Physalis peruviana is hardly seen, except in Pennsylvania (Dutch county and parts of the Midwest).

In Haiti, the presence of Physalis angulata and Physalis pubescens L. has been reported.

The Physalis philadelphica plant, other closely related species, grows from Southern Baja California to Guatemala, from 10 m in Tres Valles, Veracruz, to 2600 m in the valley of Mexico.

In several regions of Mexico, the species Physalis chenopodifolia Lam. grows wild in cultivated fields: its use as a potential resource has been recorded.

Several species of Physalis are widespread in America as endemic weed species. Six important Physalis spp. are prevalent in the phytogeographic region of Mesoamerica (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and the Mexican states of Chiapas, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo): Physalis angulata, Physalis cordata Mill., Physalis gracilis Miers, Physalis ignota Britt., Physalis lagascae R. & S., and Physalis pubescens L. (Gentry and D'Arcy 1986). These Physalis spp. can be intercrossed, but incompatibility has been found (Pandey 1957, Quiros 1984). The basic chromosome number of the genus is N=12 and most species are diploid. Physalis peruviana is a tetraploid (Menzel 1951).

Ecology: Mikania guaco prefers moist and shady situations

· Habitat: Physalis peruviana spontaneous clumps of plants can be found along river banks and just about anywhere the soil is disturbed and the canopy is broken (allowing enough sunlight to promote its rapid growth).

In Hawaii, Physalis peruviana is naturalized in disturbed sites in mesic to wet forest, diverse mesic forest, and subalpine woodland, 450-2,020 m (Wagner et al., 1999).

In Fiji, Physalis peruviana is seen at elevations from near sea level to 900 m in gardens and also naturalized in forest along trails and streams, in clearing, and in cultivated areas (Smith, 1991).

In Niue, Physalis peruviana is a common weed in some plantations (Sykes, 1970).  Uncommon in plantations and waste places but sometimes collected for food (Whistler, 1988).

In Tahiti, Physalis peruviana is frequent in all the cool valleys to 800 m (Welsh, 1998).

Physalis minima is commonly found on the bunds of the fields, wastelands, around the houses, on roadsides, etc., where the soil is porous and rich in organic matter.

It is an annual herbaceous plant having a very delicate stem and leaves. It is found growing in the sub-Himalayas up to altitudes of 1,650 meters. According to Duthie (1905), it also grows in Afghanistan, Baluchistan, tropical Africa, Australia, Ceylon, etc.

· Flowering and Fruiting: In the United States, the first yellow, bell-shaped flowers appear 4 to 5 weeks after transplanting during the onset of warm spring days in April and continue flowering through November unless damaged by an early frost.

In parts of India, the fruits of Physalis peruviana ripen in February, but, in the South, the main crop extends from January to May. In Central and Southern Africa, the crop extends from the beginning of April to the end of June. In England, plants from seeds sown in spring begin to fruit in August and continue until there is a strong frost.

The plants propagated by means of 1-year-old stem cuttings treated with hormones to promote rooting flower early and yield well but are less vigorous than seedlings.

In Physalis minima the flowers appear in acropetal succession, i.e. the lower flowers appear and form fruits earlier than the upper ones, which emerge as well as set fruit later. In this way, the flowering and fruiting season of this plant starts from March-April and continues up to the end of November. The fruiting starts from the middle of August and continues till the end of November. The peak fruiting season in the Solan area, however, is October.

Physalis pruinosa L., a closely related species, needs about 70 days of frost-free weather for fruits to mature. They are grown like tomatoes.

· Harvest: Harvesting can be accomplished by allowing the fruit to fall on fabric or plastic placed under the plants. Collection is either done by hand picking, or by gathering up the plastic and pouring the fruit into containers.

In rainy or dewy weather, the fruit is not picked until the plants are dry. Berries that are already wet need to be lightly dried in the sun. The fruits are usually picked from the plants by hand every 2 to 3 weeks, although some growers prefer to shake the plants and gather the fallen fruits from the ground in order to obtain those of more uniform maturity. Hand collection is preferable if the fruit is to be sold on the fresh market, to avoid bruising. At the peak of the season, a worker can pick 2 1/2 bushels (90 liters) a day, but at the beginning and end of the season, when the crop is light, only 1/2 bushel (18 liters).

The fruits of Physalis peruviana also may be picked partially green and allowed to ripen, but these fruit never become as sweet as vine-ripened fruit.

With Physalis ixocarpa falling of fruits before ripening is not uncommon, and, according to Dr. Melhus, they may be allowed to remain on the ground until fully colored. Collecting must be done every day. If left too long on the plant, there is much loss of flavor.

· Yield: Physalis peruviana plants typically are heavy fruit producers. A plant of Physalis peruviana can produce up to 1.5 kg (3 pounds) of fruits. According to other sources, a single plant may commonly yield from 130 to 300 fruits. Seedlings set 1,800 to 2,150 to the acre (228-900/ha) yield approximately 3,000 lbs of fruit per acre (approx. = kg/ha).

The fruits are usually dehusked before delivery to markets or processors. Manual workers can produce only 10 to 12 lbs. (4.5 kg to 5.5 kg) of husked fruits per hour. Therefore, a mechanical husker, 4 to 5 times more efficient, has been designed at the University of Hawaii.

The fruits can also be sold with the husk left on as many chefs use the husk for decorative purposes. The average yield of Physalis minima from a plant covering 2.5 square meters was found to be 545 g. For Physalis ixocarpa individual plants may produce 64 to 200 fruits in a season. In test plantings at Ames, Iowa, the fruit yield averaged 2 ½ lbs (1.1 kg) per plant; equal to approximately 9 tons per acre (20.2 MT/ha). In Mexico and India, yields of 7.5 to 10 tons per acre (17-22.5 MT/ha) have been reported. Yields of 20 tonnes per hectare are common in South America, 33 tonnes has been achieved.

· Storage: The fruits of Physalis peruviana are long-lasting. The fresh fruits can be stored in a scaled container and kept in a dry atmosphere for several months without refrigeration. They will still be in good condition. If the fresh fruits are to be shipped, it is best to leave the husk on for protection.

The unhusked fresh fruits of Physalis ixocarpa can be stored in single layers in a cool, dry atmosphere for several months. Mexican and Central American people may pull up the entire plant with fruits attached and hang it upside-down in a dry place until the fruits are needed.

· Enemies: This plant is highly resistant to insect pests and diseases. Sometimes, and under certain conditions, whiteflies can be a problem. In some places, however, the plants have been reported to be susceptible to many of the same diseases and pests as the tomato.

In India, mites may cause defoliation. In Jamaica, the leaves were suddenly riddled by what were apparently flea beetles of the family Chrysomelidae. In the Bahamas, whitefly attacks on the very young plants and flea beetles on the flowering plants required control.

In South Africa, the most important of the many insect pests that attack Physalis peruviana are cutworms, in seedbeds; red spider after plants have been established in the field; the potato tuber moth if

Physalis peruviana is in the vicinity of potato fields. Hares damage young plants and birds (francolins) devour the fruits if not repelled.

In South Africa, the most troublesome diseases are powdery mildew and soft brown scale. The plants are prone to root rots and viruses if on poorly-drained soil or if carried over to a second year. Therefore, farmers favor biennial plantings. Bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas spp.) occurs in Queensland. A strain of tobacco mosaic may affect plants in India.

· Propagation: The easiest way to increase these plants is to lift and separate them into rooted pieces in the spring and replant them. They may also be started from seeds, which are sown in flats of sandy soil or directly outside. Those sown directly outside should be thinned to 6 inches apart before they become too crowded.

Physalis peruviana propagates easily from the many seeds the fruit contains. There are 5,000 to 8,000 seeds to the ounce (28 g) and, since germination rate is low, this amount is needed to raise enough plants for an acre–2 1/2 oz (70 g) for a hectare. In India, the seeds are mixed with wood ash or pulverized soil for uniform sowing.

Sometimes propagation is done by means of 1-year-old stem cuttings treated with hormones to promote rooting, and 37.7% success has been achieved. The plants thus grown flower early and yield well but are less vigorous than seedlings. Air-layering is also successful but not often practiced.

In India, seeds are broadcast from March through May. In Hong Kong, planting in seedbeds is done in September/October and again in March/April. In the Bahamas the first seeds planted in late summer of 1952 produced healthy plants and a continuous crop of fruits for 3 months during the following winter.

In Jamaica, the initial planting of Physalis peruviana in late January of 1954 made slow growth until June when development accelerated. By mid-August the plants had reached 15 in (37.5 cm) in height with much lateral growth, and were flowering and setting fruit. It would appear that the heat of summer is unfavorable for fruit development and, therefore, the best time to plant Physalis peruviana is in the fall so that fruit can be set during the cooler weather and harvested in late spring or early summer. In California, the plants do not fruit heavily until the second year unless started early in greenhouses.

Some growers have kept plants in production for as long as 4 years by cutting back after each harvest, but these plants have been found more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Physalis alkekengii, a closely related species, is a perennial spread by means of underground stems. In gardens, they are sometimes grown as annuals.

· Soil: Physalis species thrive in most soil types and will do very well in poor soils and in pots. They are easily grown in any well-drained soil in a position full of sun but do best on sandy to gravelly loam.

They will not flourish in heavy, poorly drained ground. Light soil is the best for their development. Heavy ground can be enhanced, however, by digging deeply and adding sand and compost.

On highly fertile alluvial soil, there is much vegetative growth and the fruits fail to color properly. Very good crops are obtained on rather poor sandy ground. Where drainage is a problem, the plantings should be on gentle slopes or the rows should be mounded. The plants become dormant in drought.

Physalis peruviana, should be grown in loamy soil. If the ground is full of clay, they should be planted in raised beds. Set them 30 cm apart. Use black plastic mulch. Do not dig manure or mulch into the soil or fertilize heavily; that will cause very lush growth at the expense of the fruits.

· pH: The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. Plants tolerate a pH in the range 4.5 to 8.2.

· Sowing: Seeds germinate in 8 to 14 days in an unheated greenhouse. The seedlings are field planted when they are 15 cm to 20 cm tall with at least 1.0 m between each plant.

· Fertilizing: The plants appear to need little or no fertilizer. Fruit production decreased significantly when fertilizer was applied. Under heavy fertilizing, the plants exhibited a great deal of vegetative growth but produced few flowers or fruit. Plants planted in sandy soil without any amendment or fertilizer produced 150 to 300 flowers per plant with a corresponding number of fruit.

· Spacing: In India, plants of Physalis peruviana 6 to 8 in (15 cm to 20 cm) high are set out 18 in (45 cm) apart in rows 3 ft (0.9 m) apart. Farmers in South Africa space the plants 2 to 3 ft (0.6 m to 0.9 m) apart in rows 4 to 6 ft (1.2 m to1.8 m) or even 8 ft (2.4 m) apart in very rich soil.

· Light: Physalis species are easily grown in a position full of sun. They will not flourish in a shady place. This plant species needs full sun but protection from strong winds.

· Climate: Physalis peruviana enjoys fairly warm (but not hot) temperatures, and protection from frost. Physalis peruviana is an annual in temperate regions and a perennial in the tropics. In areas where frost or freezes occur, plants are easily grown as annuals. Provide lots of water throughout the growing year, except towards fruit ripening time.

In England, the plants have been undamaged by 3 degrees of frost. In South Africa, plants have been killed to the ground and failed to recover after a temperature drop to 30.5º F (-0.75º C).

Physalis ixocarpa, a closely related species native to Mexico, prefers warm, dry climates. They do not last as long in humid, rainy climates. Physalis ixocarpa also requires a longer growing season and is tenderer than the other.

· Pollination : The plants are pollinated by wind and local insects including bees. In England, growers shake the flowers gently in summer to improve distribution of the pollen, or they will give the plants a very light spraying with water.

Plants of Physalis ixocarpa are self-incompatible. When the flowering plants are bagged, no fruits are set. K.K. Pandey, while at the University of Ohio, studied this problem. He reported that only a few seedlings in a group produce rare fruits by natural-selfing and such fruits usually contain no seeds or only a small number. An occasional fruit may have 100 or more.

· Altitude: In Venezuela, it grows wild in the Andes and the coastal range between 2,500 and 10,000 ft (800-3,000 m). It grows wild in Hawaii at 1,000 to 8,000 ft (300-2,400 m). In northern India, it is not possible to cultivate it above 4,000 ft (1,200 m), but in South India it thrives up to 6,000 ft (1,800 m).

· Water: Physalis peruviana thrives in places plenty of rain throughout its growing season, and very little when the fruits are maturing. The plants are watered by either drip irrigation or overhead sprinklers, although drip irrigation provides more control of water consumption and weeds.

4. Cape Gooseberry History

The genus Physalis is a group of annual and perennial herbs bearing globular fruits, each enclosed in a bladderlike husk or calyx which becomes papery on maturity. Species within the genus Physalis are grown for their fruits and for decoration. Of the more than 70 species (perhaps 100), only a very few of them are of economic value. Among them are the cape gooseberry, Physalis peruviana L.; the ground cherry, Physalis pruinosa L.; and the tomatillo of Mexico, Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem.

Four species are cultivated in different parts of the world for their fruit: Physalis peruviana (cape gooseberry, uchuba) and Physalis pruinosa (ground cherry, husk tomato) are used as jam fruits; Physalis alkekengi L. (Chinese lantern) is used as an ornamental; and Physalis ixocarpa (tomatillo, tomate de cascara) is used as a vegetable or for sauces.

Physalis peruviana has been cultivated since pre-Columbian times along the Andes Mountains of South America. Their fruits are smaller and sweeter than tomatillos and can be eaten raw or used in preserves. It has a particularly delicious fruit with a tangy pineapple-like flavor. These plants grow all over the Andes and were fruit of the Incas (Veitmeyer 1991).

The fruit is eaten fresh or cooked. They make excellent pies and jellies and are very high in pectin. The fresh fruit may be served with husk pulled back for fondue. Physalis peruviana sauce is a nice accompaniment to a meat dish. While not well known by the retail consumer, the fruit has a strong following among chefs and the market is likely to grow for good quality, vine-ripened fruit.

Removed from the paper-like husks, the attractive yellow marble-sized fruit makes an extremely tasty jam. Fruit has a high vitamin A, B, and C content, is a rich source of carotene, phosphorous, and iron, and also contains vitamin P. It may be eaten fresh, in salads or in cocktails.

In the 18th Century, the fruits were perfumed and worn for adornment by native women in Peru. They are also widely used in folk medicine, and grow wild in Europe, America and Asia.

Physalis peruviana, a South American species, is being used as a natural medicine in the tropical countries where it grows since a long time ago. Its use by rainforest Indians in the Amazon is well documented, and its edible sweet-tart fruits are enjoyed by many rainforest inhabitants, animal and human alike.

This plant species has been spread by explorers and travelers worldwide, but is still considered a backyard fruit in most areas. Small industries are developing around Physalis peruviana in countries in Central and South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and India but nowhere has it really achieved large commercial success (Morton 1987).

The plant's productivity in poor soils, its ease of cultivation, and low requirement for water and fertilizer has made it an attractive potential crop. In the present time, Physalis peruviana is employed in herbal medicine systems in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia.

In Peruvian herbal medicine, this plant is also called mullaca or bolsa mullaca. There, it is used for asthma, bacterial infections, diabetes, earaches, hepatitis, infection (postpartum), inflammation, itch, jaundice, liver problems, malaria, rheumatism, skin diseases, urinary insufficiency, and worms.

In Brazil, Physalis peruviana is traditionally used for asthma, blood cleansing, dermatitis, earaches, fever, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, jaundice, liver disorders, malaria, nausea, rheumatism, skin diseases, and urinary insufficiency.

In Central America, Physalis peruviana is used for fever, gonorrhea, malaria, skin diseases, and to prevent miscarriages.

In Colombia, Physalis peruviana is used for asthma, bacterial infections, inflammation, skin diseases.

In Trinidad, this plant species is used for bacterial infections, fever, indigestion, nephritis, and rectitis.

In Suriname, Physalis peruviana is used for gonorrhea, jaundice, malaria, nephritis, and urinary insufficiency.

In Japan, Physalis peruviana is used for colds, fever, strep throat, swelling, and urinary insufficiency.

In Taiwan, Physalis peruviana is used for cancer, fever, hepatitis, liver disease, tumors, and urinary insufficiency.

In General, Physalis peruviana is used for asthma, bacterial infections, boils, cancer, childbirth, dermatosis, diabetes, diarrhea, diuretic, edema, expectorant, eye infections, fainting, fevers, hemostatic, hemorrhage (postpartum), infertility, inflammation, leukemia, malaria, nausea, pain, tumor (testicle), skin disease, sleeping sickness, stomach problems and as an antiseptic.

In addition to Physalis peruviana’s anticancerous and antileukemic actions, several research groups have confirmed Physalis peruviana’s antibacterial and antiviral activity.

Herbal practitioners in both South and North America today rely on Physalis peruviana for various bacterial and viral infections as well as a complementary therapy for cancer and leukemia. Although not widely available in the United States., Physalis peruviana is found as an ingredient in various herbal formulas and in bulk supplies.

In the United States, Physalis peruviana is hardly seen, except in Pennsylvania (Dutch county and parts of the Midwest).

Interestingly enough, much of the clinical research has ignored the local and indigenous uses of the plant; thus, many of its effective uses in herbal medicine remain unexplained. Its tested antibacterial properties could validate its use as an antiseptic and disinfectant for skin diseases and its use to treat gonorrhea.

Physalis peruviana was grown by early settlers at the Cape of Good Hope before 1807. In South Africa it is commercially cultivated and common as an escape and the jam and canned whole fruits are staple commodities, often exported. It is also cultivated and naturalized on a small scale in Gabon and other parts of Central Africa.

Soon after its adoption in the Cape of Good Hope it was carried to Australia and there acquired its common English name. It was one of the few fresh fruits of the early settlers in New South Wales. There it has long been grown on a large scale and is abundantly naturalized, as it is also in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Tasmania.

It was welcomed in New Zealand where it is said that "the housewife is sometimes embarrassed by the quantity of berries [cape gooseberries, Physalis peruviana] in the garden," and government agencies actively promote increased culinary use.

In China, India and Malaya, Physalis peruviana is commonly grown but on a lesser scale. In India, it is often interplanted with vegetables. It is naturalized on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

Seeds were taken to Hawaii before 1825 and the plant is naturalized on all the islands at medium and somewhat higher elevations. It was at one time extensively cultivated in Hawaii. By 1966, commercial culture had nearly disappeared and processors had to buy the fruit from backyard growers at high prices.

It is widespread as an exotic weed in the South Sea Islands but not seriously cultivated. The first seeds were planted in Israel in 1933. The plants grew and bore very well in cultivation and soon spread as escapes, but the fruit did not appeal to consumers, either fresh or preserved, and promotional efforts ceased.

In England, Physalis peruviana was first reported in 1774. Since that time, it has been grown there in a small way in home gardens, and after World War II was canned commercially to a limited extent. Despite this background, early in 1952, the Stanford Nursery, of Sussex, announced the "Cape Gooseberry, the wonderful new fruit, especially developed in Britain by Richard I. Cahn."

Concurrently, jars of Physalis peruviana jam from England appeared in South Florida markets and the product was found to be attractive and delicious. It is surprising that this useful little fruit has received so little attention in the United States in view of its having been reported on with enthusiasm by the late Dr. David Fairchild in his well-loved book, The World Was My Garden. He there tells of its fruiting "enormously" in the garden of his home, "In The Woods", in Maryland, and of the cook's putting up over a hundred jars of what he called "Inca Conserve" which "met with universal favor." It is also remarkable that it is so little known in the Caribbean islands, though naturalized plants were growing profusely along roadsides in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica before 1913.

With a view to encouraging Physalis peruviana culture in Florida, the Bahamas, and the West Indies, seeds have been repeatedly purchased from the Stanford Nursery and distributed for trial. Good crops have been obtained. Nevertheless there was no incentive to make further plantings.

Physalis pruinosa, a closely related species, is the most popularly grown variety because at 45 cm to 50 cm (18 to 20 inches) high and 60 cm to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) wide, it is smaller and more manageable than Physalis peruviana. The fruits are a lot like those of Physalis peruviana in flavor and size, but the husks are tight fitting and they curl back to expose the ripe fruits.

The small yellow fruits of Physalis pruinosa are used for sauce, pies and preserves in mild-temperate climates. However, Physalis peruviana is said to bear a superior fruit and has become widely known.

Physalis ixocarpa, a closely related species native to Mexico, was a prominent staple in Aztec and Mayan economy. The plant abounds in Mexico and the highlands of Guatemala and the fruits are commonly seen in native markets. In Mexico and other countries in Latin America, the fruits of Physalis ixocarpa are crushed and used in sauces. They have an agreeable, but not sweet flavor.

Physalis ixocarpa is gaining ground as a new crop in California due to the increased popularity of Mexican food in the United States (Quiros 1984) and has production potential in the southern United States. In Louisiana, tomatillo imported from Mexico is sold as a fresh fruit in a few grocery stores. There is a potential market for fresh produce and the Louisiana sauce industry may be interested in opening a new ethnic market for their products. Nevertheless, this species has not been as widely distributed abroad as Physalis peruviana. It was introduced into India in the 1950's and is cultivated in the northwest desert region of Rajasthan. In Queensland, Australia, and in South Africa it has fruited prolifically. There is some commercial cultivation in Pietersburg, South Africa, for processing. It was too-successfully introduced into East Africa, for, in 1967, it was reported to be the most important weed of agricultural fields in the highlands of Kenya.

Physalis philadelphica Lam., a closely related species, is cultivated in Mexico and Guatemala and originating from Mesoamerica. Various archaeological findings show that its use in the diet of the Mexican population dates back to pre-Columbian times.

Indeed, vestiges of Physalis sp. used as food have been found in excavations in the valley of Tehuacán (900 BC–AD 1540). In pre-Hispanic times in Mexico, it was preferred far more than the tomato (Lycopersicon sp.). However, this preference has not been maintained, except in the rural environment where, in addition to the persistence of old eating habits, the tomato's greater resistance to rot is still valued. Possibly because of the fruit's colorful appearance and because there are ways of eating it which are independent of the chili (Capsicum sp.), the tomato achieved greater acceptance outside Mesoamerica and Physalis sp. was marginalized, or its cultivation was discontinued, as happened in Spain.

Physalis philadelphica was domesticated in Mexico from where it was taken to Europe and other parts of the world; its introduction into Spain has been well documented. Indeed, it is believed that this species originated in central Mexico where, at present, both wild and domesticated populations may be found.

The fruit of Physalis chenopodifolia, other closely related species, is picked in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. In Europe, Physalis alkekengi is grown as an ornamental plant because of the colorful calyx of its fruit, and its fruit also is used in central and southern Europe. Physalis chenopodifolia Lam. is in the initial stage of domestication and shows a favorable response to agricultural practices; accordingly, it must be collected and evaluated so that the potential for better utilization in the future may be established.

Physalis ixocarpa and Physalis philadelphica have been a constant component of the Mexican and Guatemalan diet up to the present day, chiefly in the form of sauces prepared with its fruit and ground chilies to improve the flavor of meals and stimulate the appetite. They are also used in sauces with green chili, mainly to lessen its hot flavor. The fruit of Physalis ixocarpa is used cooked, or even raw, to prepare purees or minced meat dishes which are used as a base for chili sauces known generically as salsa verde (green sauce); they can be used to accompany prepared dishes or else be used as ingredients in various stews. An infusion of the husks (calyces) is added to tamale dough to improve its spongy consistency, as well as to that of fritters: it is also used to impart flavor to white rice and to tenderize red meats. In Mexico, the fruits are used in the making of chili sauce and dressings for popular dishes such as tacos and enchiladas.

About ten years ago the crop began to be industrialized in Mexico and agro-industries are currently estimated to process 600 tonnes per year, 80 percent of which is exported to the United States as whole tomatillos, without a calyx and canned, while the remainder is used in the preparation of packaged sauces for the domestic market.

Physalis philadelphica is acquiring importance as an introduced crop in California as a result of the growing popularity of Mexican food in the United States. Furthermore, numerous medicinal properties are attributed to it.

Official statistics show that, in 1984, 15 48 ha were sown in Mexico, with a total production value of 5797 million pesos and an average per caput consumption of 2.32 kg. Both in Mexico and Guatemala, wild tomato fruit from cultivated fields has a predominant place in the diet. Hence in some regions it is an important product among those gathered in rural areas for immediate consumption and for sale.

5. Cape Gooseberry Uses

Parts Used:

Whole plant, fruits, leaves, roots, sap.

· Leaves: Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima L. are bitter, appetizing, tonic, diuretic, laxative, useful in inflammations, enlargement of the spleen and abdominal troubles.

· Fruits: The fruit is considered to be a tonic, diuretic and purgative in the Punjab. The mundas, a tribe of Chhota Nagpur, mix the juice of the leaves with water and mustard oil and use it as a remedy against earache.

· Sap: Indigenous tribes in the Brazilian Amazon use the sap of the plant for earaches.

Properties:

Physalis peruviana L. is used as:

• analgesic (pain-reliever)
• anti-asthmatic
• antibacterial
• anticancerous
• anticoagulant
• anti-diabetic
• anti-emetic
• antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding)
• anti-inflammatory
• antileukemic
• antimalarial
• antimicrobial
• antimycobacterial
• antimycoplasmal
• antipyretic
• anti-rheumatic
• antiseptic
• antispasmodic
• antitumorous
• antiviral
• appetizing
• astringent
• blood cleanser
• blood thinner
• disinfectant (postpartum infections)
• disinfectant (skin diseases)
• diuretic
• expectorant
• febrifuge (reduces fever)
• food
• hepatic
• hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver)
• hypoglycemic
• hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
• immunomodulator (modulates some overactive immune cells)
• immunostimulant
• laxative
• narcotic
• nephritic
• ornamental
• purgative
• renal
• sedative
• tonic
• vermifuge (expels worms)
• enema
• source of vitamin C (raw fruit)

Physalis peruviana L. is used for/against:

• abdominal pains
• asthma
• bacteria
• bacterial infections (all kinds)
• blood pressure
• bowel complaints
• cancer
• coagulation
• dermatitis
• diabetes
• earache
• female disorders
• fever
• gallbladder problems.
• hepatitis
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• infertility
• infections
• inflammations (skin)
• jaundice
• kidney problems
• leukemia
• liver problems
• malaria
• microbes
• miscarriage (preventive)
• mycobacteria infections
• mycoplasma infections
• postpartum infections
• psoriasis
• rheumatism
• rosaceae
• scleroderma
• skin diseases
• skin infections
• spasms
• spleen
• viral infections (all kind)
• virus
• vomiting
• worms

Abdominal Ailments

In South Africa, the Zulus administer the leaf infusion as an enema to relieve abdominal ailments in children. Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima L., a closely related species native to India, are useful in abdominal troubles.

Anti-inflammatory and Disinfectant

Some Colombian tribes believe the fruits and leaves of Physalis peruviana L. have narcotic properties and also decoct them as an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant for skin diseases.

Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima are useful in inflammations.

In South Africa, the heated leaves of Physalis peruviana are applied as poultices on inflammations.

Appetizing

Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima are appetizing.

Asthma - Anti-asthmatic

In Colombia, some tribes use a leaf tea of Physalis peruviana for asthma. The dosage is 1 cup of tea made from the aerial parts of the plant.

Possibly, the antispasmodic and muscle contractive properties documented for Physalis peruviana might explain its widespread use for asthma.

Astringent

Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima are bitter.

Blood

· Blood Pressure: Physalis peruviana has also been reported to lower blood pressure in cats.

· Anticoagulant: In the test tube, Physalis peruviana was shown to have an anticoagulant effect.

Bowel Complaints

The leaf juice of Physalis peruviana has been used in the treatment of worms and bowel complaints.

Cancer - Anticancerous

Physalis peruviana has been the subject of recent clinical research (which is still ongoing), based on the preliminary studies showing that it is toxic to numerous types of cancer and leukemia cells. The new steroids found in Physalis peruviana have received the most attention, since many of the documented anti-cancerous, anti-tumorous and anti-leukemic actions are attributed to these steroids.

Various extracts of Physalis peruviana, as well as some novel plant steroids called physalins, have shown strong in vitro and in vivo (mice) activity against numerous types of human and animal cancer cells including lung, colon, nasopharynx, liver, cervix, melanoma and glioma (brain) cancer cells.

This cancer research began in the early 1980s with researchers in Thailand and the United States and was verified with research performed at the University of Taiwan in 1992 (where they demonstrated a significant effect against five human cancer cell lines and three animal cancer cell lines).

Then in 2001, researchers at the University of Houston isolated yet another new chemical in Physalis peruviana which demonstrated remarkable toxicity against nasopharynx cancer cells, lung (adenocarcinoma) cancer cells as well as leukemia in mice.

The same Taiwanese researchers had already published a separate study on Physalis peruviana’s other anti-leukemic phytochemicals in 1992, reporting that two physalin chemicals inhibited the growth of five types of acute leukemia, including lymphoid (T & B), promyelocytic, myeloid and monocytic.

With tumor cells, research suggests that several of the steroidal chemicals in Physalis peruviana act on an enzyme level to arrest the normal cell cycle in cancer cells as well as cause DNA damage inside of cancer cells (making them unable to replicate).

Today, herbal practitioners in both South and North America use Physalis peruviana as a complementary treatment for cancer and leukemia.

Diabetes - Antidiabetic

To treat diabetes, the roots of three Physalis peruviana plants are sliced and macerated in 1/4 liter of rum for seven days. Honey is added, and 1/2 glass of this medicine is taken twice daily for 60 days. Western scientists did somewhat validate the indigenous use for diabetes when they reported a mild hypoglycemic effect in mice fed a water extract of the root. One must wonder what the results would have been if they had followed native customs and employed an alcohol extract instead. It is said in Mexico that a decoction of the calyces of Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem. will cure diabetes.

Diuretic

Indigenous tribes in the Amazon use an infusion of the leaves of Physalis peruviana as a diuretic. In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed as a diuretic. It is said to be a good diuretic. In Colombia, the leaf decoction is also taken as a diuretic. Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima are diuretic. The fruits of this closely related plant species are also considered to be diuretic in the Punjab, a region in India..

Earache

The leaves and/or roots of Physalis peruviana are used in Peru for earache. In the Brazilian Amazon, indigenous tribes use the sap of the plant for earaches.

The mundas, a tribe of Chhota Nagpur, India, mix the juice of the leaves of Physalis minima with water and mustard oil and use it as a remedy against earache.

Female Disorders

Physalis peruviana is used by indigenous peoples for female disorders.

· Infertility: In the Solomon Islands, the fruit of Physalis peruviana is decocted and taken internally to promote fertility.

· Miscarriage: A tea is made of the entire plant and/or the leaves in the West Indies and Jamaica to prevent miscarriages.

· Postpartum infections: In Peru the leaf is infused and used to treat postpartum infections.

Possibly, the antispasmodic and muscle contractive properties documented for Physalis peruviana might explain its widespread use for female disorders.

Fever - Antipyretic

In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for fever. For the same purpose, Physalis peruviana is used in other parts throughout the rainforests, although its widespread use in the rainforests for fevers remains unexplained by science.

Food Uses

The fruits of Physalis peruviana are juicy, mildly astringent and sweet with a pleasant blend of acid. The overall quality of the fruit is good and can be used in order to prepare desserts (pies, cakes, jellies, compotes, jams etc.). Its flavor has been defined as a pleasant, unique tomato /pineapple like blend.

The dried fruit can be used as a raisin substitute, though it is not so sweet. The dried fruit is also said to be a substitute for yeast.

The citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines and limes, contain good quantities of vitamin C but little carotene. In contrast, papayas, mangoes and cape gooseberries (Physalis peruviana)contain both carotene and vitamin C.

They are eaten and liked by all. They are juicy and, as is evident from their chemical composition, they are a good source of vitamin C. The raw fruit can also be used as a vegetable. Their uses are similar to common tomato. They can be eaten raw, used in salads, desserts, as a flavoring, and in jams and jellies. These fruits are excellent when dipped in chocolate, and can be dried and eaten.

Although the plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements, this calyx is toxic and should not be eaten.

Physalis peruviana keeps well and makes excellent preserves. The canned fruits have been exported from South Africa and the jam from England. In Peru and Chile, these fruits are casually eaten and occasionally sold in markets but the plant is still not an important crop.

In addition to being canned whole and preserved as jam, Physalis peruviana is made into sauce, used in pies, puddings, chutneys and ice cream, and eaten fresh in fruit salads and fruit cocktails. In Colombia, the fruits are stewed with honey and eaten as dessert. The British use the husk as a handle for dipping the fruit in icing.

Physalis angulata L., Physalis pruinosa L., and Physalis ixocarpa are also grown for their edible fruits. Physalis pruinosa is the most popularly grown variety because at 45 cm to 50 cm (18 to 20 inches) high and 60 cm to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) wide, it is smaller and more manageable than Physalis peruviana.

The fruits of Physalis pruinosa are a lot like those of Physalis peruviana in flavor and size, but the husks are tight fitting and they curl back to expose the ripe fruits. The fruits of this plant also drop when they are ripe. Physalis peruviana is said to bear superior fruits and has become widely known.

The fruits of Physalis pruinosa can be prepared like vegetables or eaten as a fruit. The flavor slightly resembles apples.

In Latin America, the fruits of Physalis ixocarpa, a closely related species native to Mexico, is a staple food in Mexico and Guatemala and commonly marketed. They are crushed and used in sauces. They have an agreeable, but not sweet flavor.

Physalis ixocarpa and Physalis philadelphica Lam. have been a constant component of the Mexican and Guatemalan diet up to the present day, chiefly in the form of sauces prepared with its fruit and ground chilies to improve the flavor of meals and stimulate the appetite.

They are also used in sauces with green chili, mainly to lessen its hot flavor. The fruit of Physalis ixocarpa is used cooked, or even raw, to prepare purees or minced meat dishes which are used as a base for chili sauces known generically as salsa verde (green sauce); they can be used to accompany prepared dishes or else be used as ingredients in various stews. An infusion of the husks (calyces) is added to tamale dough to improve its spongy consistency, as well as to that of fritters: it is also used to impart flavor to white rice and to tenderize red meats.

This species, in contrast with Physalis peruviana, is used more largely as a vegetable than as a dessert fruit, though it is often consumed ripe, raw, out-of-hand. In Mexico, it is generally made into a sauce, salsa verde, for meats, alone or together with green chili peppers.

Suggestions for use distributed by Iowa State College include recipes for stewing, frying, baking, cooking with chopped meat, making into soup, marmalade and dessert sauce. The fruit is an excellent addition to salads and curries. It has been utilized commercially for jam in Australia but the product is there considered inferior to that made from Physalis peruviana The fruits, canned whole in Mexico, are sold domestically and in the western United States.

Food Value of Physalis peruviana L. per 100 g of Edible Portion*

*According to analyses of husked fruits made in Ecuador.

The ripe fruits are considered a good source of Vitamin P and are rich in pectin. The fruit is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and some of the B complex (thiamine, niacin and B12). The protein and phosphorus levels are exceptionally high for a fruit. Other analysis determined 3000 I.U. of carotene per 100g (vitamin A).

Be careful. Fruits seen on the market vary in taste and size. There is great genetic variability.

Food Value Per 100 g of Edible Portion*

*According to analyses of the husked fruit made in Guatemala and India.

Gallbladder Problems.

In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for many types of gallbladder problems.

Hepatitis

The leaves and/or roots are used in Peru for hepatitis. The roots and/or leaves are prepared as an infusion. Its antiviral properties could well explain its long history of use for hepatitis, although scientists have not tested it specifically against hepatitis.

Immune Stimulant

Physalis peruviana has been the subject of recent clinical research (which is still ongoing), based on the preliminary studies showing that it is an effective immune stimulant. The new steroids found in Physalis peruviana have received the most attention, since many of the documented immune stimulant actions are attributed to these steroids.

Researchers in China and Russia independently demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects against blastogenesis (a process triggered in leukemia) while boosting other immune functions which might account for the anti-leukemic effects in mice seen by other researchers.

Jaundice

Indigenous tribes in the Brazilian Amazon use the roots of the plant for jaundice.

Kidney Problems

In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for many types of kidney problems.

Laxative

Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima are laxative.

Liver Problems

In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for many types of liver problems. The leaves and/or roots are used in Peru for liver problems.

Malaria - Antimalarial

The leaves and/or roots are used in Peru for malaria. The dosage is 1 cup of tea made from the aerial parts of the plant. Physalis peruviana is also used for this purpose in many other parts of the rainforest, although its widespread use throughout the rainforests for malaria remains unexplained by science.

In Ghana, an herbal medication against malaria is being studied. This medication consists of a decoction prepared with Jatropha curcas, Gossypium hirsutum, Physalis angulata and Delonix regia.

Microbes - Antimicrobial

Physalis peruviana has been the subject of recent clinical research (which is still ongoing), based on the preliminary studies showing that it has antimicrobial properties.

· Virus - Antiviral: Several Research Groups have confirmed Physalis peruviana’s antiviral activity. Research groups in Japan, for example, have been focusing on Physalis peruviana’s antiviral actions and preliminary studies show that it is active in vitro against Polio virus I, Herpes simplex virus I, the measles virus, and HIV-I, demonstrating reverse transcriptase inhibitory effects.

Its antiviral properties could well explain its long history of use for hepatitis, although scientists have not tested it specifically against hepatitis.

· Bacteria - Antibacterial: Recently, in 2000 and 2002, Physalis peruviana was shown to be active in vitro against several strains of mycobacteriums and mycoplasmas (both very stubborn types of bacteria which are not widely susceptible to standard antibiotics).

In addition to these actions, Physalis peruviana has demonstrated effective antibacterial properties in vitro against numerous types of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.

Ornamental

The most popular Physalis plant species grown as ornamentals are Physalis alkekengii, Physalis Franchettii, Physalis Bunyardii, Physalis monstrosa, and Physalis nana.

Physalis alkekengii, a closely related species, and its varieties are grown for the decorative value of their brilliantly colored, swollen calyces. These resemble miniature "Chinese Lanterns", thus one of the common names, Chinese Lantern Plant. Other popular names include Alkekengi and Winter Cherry. In gardens, they are sometimes grown as annuals.

The Chinese Lantern Plant and its varieties are very pretty in the garden in late summer. The stems bearing the large orange "fruits" are valued for cutting and bringing indoors during the fall and winter months. They last a long time and look quite handsome in a vase.

"Fruits" refers to the swollen calyces of the white flowers, which open early in the summer. If they are to be brought in to decorate the house, the stems bearing the pretty calyces should be cut as soon as they have developed their full coloring.

Purgative

In the Punjab, the fruit of Physalis minima is considered to be a purgative.

Rheumatism

The leaves and/or roots are used in Peru for rheumatism. In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for chronic rheumatism.

Sedative

In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed as a sedative.

Skin Diseases

In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for skin diseases and dermatitis. Folk medicine also recommends it for skin diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, skin infections, rosaceae, scleroderma, etc.

Spasms - Antispasmodic

Physalis peruviana has also been reported to reduce spasms in guinea pigs, and to contract isotonic muscles in toads.

Possibly, the antispasmodic and muscle contractive properties documented for Physalis peruviana might explain its widespread use for asthma and female disorders as well.

Spleen

Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima are useful in enlargement of the spleen.

Tonic

Kirtikar and Basu (1935) have reported that the plants of Physalis minima are used as a tonic. In the Punjab, India, the fruit is considered to be a tonic, as well.

Vomit

In Brazilian herbal medicine the plant is employed for vomiting.

Worms - Vermifuge

Indigenous peoples in the Peruvian Amazon use the leaf juice of Physalis peruviana internally and externally for worms.

6. CAPE GOOSEBERRY CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS

Phytochemical studies on Physalis peruviana L. reveal that it contains many types of biologically active, naturally occurring chemicals. The main plant chemicals isolated in Physalis peruviana thus far include:

• flavonoids
• alkaloids
• steroids
• ayanin
• chlorogenic acid
• choline
• ixocarpanolide
• myricetin
• phygrine
• physagulin A to G
• physalin A to K
• physangulide
• sitosterol
• vamonolide
• withaminimin
• withangulatin A
• withanolide D
• withanolide T
• withaphysanolide

Physalis peruviana possesses many different types of plant steroids, some of which have never before been seen in science. The new steroids found in Physalis peruviana have received the most attention, since many of the documented anti-cancerous, anti-tumorous and anti-leukemic actions are attributed to these steroids.

Food Value of Physalis peruviana L. per 100 g of Edible Portion*

*According to analyses of husked fruits made in Ecuador.

The ripe fruits are considered a good source of Vitamin P and are rich in pectin. The fruit is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and some of the B complex (thiamine, niacin and B12). The protein and phosphorus levels are exceptionally high for a fruit. Other analysis determined 3000 I.U. of carotene per 100g (vitamin A).

Food Value Per 100 g of Edible Portion*

*According to analyses of the husked fruit made in Guatemala and India

The fruit of Physalis minima L., a closely related species native to India, is juicy, containing 61.4 per cent extractable juice and 76.7 per cent moisture. The total soluble solids content of the juice is 12.5 per cent. The acidity of the juice is 1.84 per cent. The fruits contain:

• 5.97 per cent total sugars
• 3 per cent reducing sugars
• 2.81 per cent non-reducing sugars
• 0.64 per cent tannins
• 0.52 percent pectin
• 2.75 per cent protein

They also contain a good amount of vitamin C which is 24.45 mg per 100 ml of juice. The mineral content of the fruit, as represented by its ash, is 1.216 per cent. The content of some of the important minerals of the fruits is:

• phosphorus 0.108 per cent
• potassium 0.613 per cent
• calcium 0.024 per cent
• magnesium 0.056 per cent
• iron 0.006 per cent
• Indian chemists have isolated from the leaves a minor steroidal constituent, physalolactone C.

7. Cape Gooseberry Dosage and Contraindications

Doses: Physalis peruviana L. is prepared mainly as an infusion or tea. Some natural health product companies also offer it in capsules or tincture.

• To treat diabetes, the roots of three Physalis peruviana plants are sliced and macerated in 1/4 liter of rum for seven days. Honey is added, and 1/2 glass of this medicine is taken twice daily for 60 days.
• For asthma and malaria, the dosage is 1 cup of tea made from the aerial parts of the plant.
• In general, one-half to one cup of a whole herb infusion 1-3 times daily or 1 mL to 2 mL of a 4:1 tincture twice daily is used.
• Two to 4 grams of powdered whole herb (depending on body weight) in tablets or capsules or stirred into water or juice twice daily can be substituted if desired (since the active sterol chemicals are completely water soluble).

Contraindications:

• One animal study indicates this plant may lower blood pressure. People with blood disorders such as low blood pressure should not use this plant without supervision and advice of a qualified health care practitioner.
• One test tube study demonstrated a blood anticoagulant activity. People with blood disorders such as hemophilia, those taking heart medications or blood thinners, should not use this plant without supervision and advice of a qualified health care practitioner.

Drug Interactions:

• None reported. However, Physalis peruviana has shown anticoagulant (blood thinner) activity and blood pressure reducing activity.

Precautions:

• This plant species is not a substitute for standard medical treatments.
• Any plant substance can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
• Do not try to self diagnose or attempt treatment for any serious or long term problem or while undergoing a prescribed course of treatment without consulting a medical professional.
• All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are said to be poisonous (Stary, 1983; Frohne & Pfänder, 1984).
• Excessive ingestion of fruits of Physalis peruviana may thin the blood and lower blood pressure.
• Although the plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements, this calyx is toxic and should not be eaten.

Toxicity:

• The animal studies conducted to date indicate no toxicity of the fruit at any of the dosages used indicating that is a safe natural remedy.
• However, unripe fruits are poisonous. The plant is believed to have caused illness and death in cattle in Australia.

8. Cape Gooseberry Bibliography and References

1. Brako, I. y J. Zarucchi. 1993. Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Gymnosperms of Perú. Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missouri Bot. Gard. 45: 1-1286.
2. Bukasov, S.M. 1963. Las plantas cultivadas de México, Guatemala y Colombia. Lima, IICA, Misc. Publ. No. 20.
3. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986
4. Cruces, C.R. 1987. Lo que México aportó al mundo. Mexico City, Panorama.
5. Del Monte, D. de G.J.P. 1988. Presencia, distribución y origen de Physalis philadelphica Lam. en la zona centro de la Península Ibérica. Candollea, 43(1): 93-100.
6. Dremann. C. G. Ground Cherries, Husk Tomatoes and Tomatilloes. Redwood City Seed Co 1985 ISBN 0-933421-03-6
7. Dressler, R.L. 1953. The pre-Columbian cultivated plants of Mexico. Bot. Mus. Leafl. Harv. Univ., 16(6): 115-172.
8. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
9. Frohne. D. and Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984 ISBN 0723408394
10. García, S.F. 1985. Physalis L. In Flora fanerogámica del valle de México. J. Rzedowski & G.C. de Rzedowski, eds. Mexico City, Instituto de Ecología.
11. Harlan, J.R. 1975. Crops and man. Madison, Wis., USA, ASA.
12. Harrison. S. Wallis. M. Masefield. G. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press 1975
13. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
14. Heiser, C.B., Jr. 1969. Nightshades the paradoxical plants. W.H. Freeman Co., San Francisco.
15. Hernández, F. 1946. Historia de las plantas de Nueva España. Mexico City, UNAM.
16. Hernándo Bermejo, J.E. and J. León (eds.) .Neglected Crops: 1492 from a Different Perspective. 1994. Plant Production and Protection Series No. 26. FAO, Rome, Italy. p. 117-122.
17. Hudson, W.D., Jr. 1986. Relationships of domesticated and wild Physalis philadelphica. In W.G. D'Arcy, ed. Solanaceae: biology and systematics. New York, Columbia University Press.
18. Hudson, W.D., Jr. I983. The relationships of wild and domesticated tomato. Physalis philadelphica Lamarck (Solanaceae). Bloomington. USA. Indiana University. (thesis)
19. Martínez, M. 1954. Plantas útiles de la flora de México. Mexico. Botas.
20. McCain, R. 1993. Goldenberry, passionfruit, & white sapote: Potential fruits for cool subtropical areas. p. 479-486. In: J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.), New crops. Wiley, New York.
21. Menzel, Y.M. 1951. The cytotaxonomy and genetics of Physalis. Proc. Am. Phil. Soc,. 95(2): 132-183.
22. Mera, O.L.M. 1987. Estudio comparativo del proceso de cultivo de la arvense Physalis chenopodifolia Lamarck y Physalis philadelphica var. philadelphica cultivar 'Rendidora' . Chapingo. Mexico. Colegio de Postgraduados. (thesis)
23. Miller, C.D., K. Bazore, and M. Bartow. 1981. Fruits of Hawaii. Reprint Univ. Press of Hawaii, Honolulu.
24. Montes, H.S. 1989. Evaluación de los efectos de la domesticación sobre el tomate Physalis philadelphica Lam. Chapingo, Mexico, Colegio de Postgraduados. (thesis)
25. Moriconi, D.N., M.C. Rush, and H. Flores. 1990. Tomatillo: A potential vegetable crops for Louisiana, p. 407-413. In: J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.). Advances in new crops. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
26. Morton, J.F. 1987. Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, 20534 S.W. 92nd Ct., Miami, FL.
27. Pandey, K.K. 1957. Genetics of self-incompatibility in Physalis ixocarpa Brot.—A new system. Am. J. Bot., 44: 879-887.
28. Parmar, C. and M.K. Kaushal. 1982. Physalis minima. p. 62–65. In: Wild Fruits. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi, India.
29. Popenoe. H. et al Lost Crops of the Incas National Academy Press 1990 ISBN 0-309-04264-X
30. Quiros, C.F. 1984. Overview of the genetics and breeding of husk-tomato. HortScience 19(6):872-874.
31. Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983 ISBN 0-600-35666-3
32. Waterfall, U.T. 1967. Physalis in Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. Rhodora, 69: 8 2-120, 203-239, 319-329.
33. Williams, E.D. I9X5. Tres arvenses solanáceas comestibles y su proceso de domesticación en el estado de Tlaxcala, México. Chapingo, Mexico. Colegio de Postgraduados. (thesis)
34. Yamaguchi, M. 1983. World vegetables. AVI, Westport, CT.
35. W3TROPICOS (database): http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html
36. http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/cape-gooseberry.html
37. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physalis_peruviana
38. http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physalis_peruviana