Contents
Description
Alkekengi Officinarum, also known as Chinese Lantern, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. Native to China, Korea, and Japan, this plant is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. It is grown for its unique papery orange-red lantern-shaped calyxes that enclose the fruits, making it a popular addition to fall decorations.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanaceae |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Physalis |
Appearance
The Alkekengi Officinarum plant grows up to 60 cm tall with a spread of up to 90 cm. It has ovate, slightly toothed leaves that are light green in color. The flowers are small, white, and bell-shaped. The plant blooms from June to August. The fruit is a small berry that is initially green but turns orange-red as it matures. The calyxes that enclose the fruits are papery, inflated, and lantern-shaped, giving the plant its unique appearance.
Care Guide
Water: Alkekengi Officinarum requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as profusely.
Hardiness Zones: Alkekengi Officinarum can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alkekengi Officinarum is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it may be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by root rot if the soil is poorly drained.
Habitat
Alkekengi Officinarum is native to China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forest edges, meadows, and mountain slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alkekengi Officinarum toxic?
A: The plant is not toxic to humans but the fruits are not edible.
Q: How do I propagate Alkekengi Officinarum?
A: The plant can be propagated by seed or by division in the spring.
Q: Can Alkekengi Officinarum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How do I prune Alkekengi Officinarum?
A: Prune the plant in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune the plant to maintain its shape and size.
Related Plants
- Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii
- Physalis ixocarpa
- Physalis peruviana
References
- “Alkekengi Officinarum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b438.
- “Physalis Alkekengi.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16279/physalis-alkekengi/details.
- “Chinese Lantern.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/chinese-lantern.
