Contents
Description
Physalis Angustifolia, commonly known as the Coastal Ground Cherry, is a herbaceous plant native to the United States. It is a member of the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes and peppers. The plant is characterized by its bright yellow flowers and small, edible fruit enclosed in a papery husk. It grows up to 2 feet tall and is an annual plant that dies after producing fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Physalis |
Appearance
The Coastal Ground Cherry has a bushy growth habit with a maximum height of 2 feet. It has oval-shaped leaves with pointed tips that are arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that have five petals and are about 1 inch in diameter. The fruit of the plant is a small berry that is about the size of a cherry tomato. It is enclosed in a papery husk that turns brown when the fruit is ripe. The fruit is edible and has a sweet-tart flavor.
Care Guide
The Coastal Ground Cherry is an easy plant to care for. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It should be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Coastal Ground Cherry is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The most common pests are aphids and whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring the soil is well-drained. Powdery mildew is a common disease that affects the plant, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Coastal Ground Cherry is native to the United States and is found along the coast from Virginia to Florida. It grows in sandy soils in coastal dunes and scrub habitats. The plant is also found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fruit of the Coastal Ground Cherry edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and has a sweet-tart flavor.
Q: What is the maximum height of the Coastal Ground Cherry?
A: The maximum height of the plant is 2 feet.
Q: What are the common pests that affect the Coastal Ground Cherry?
A: The common pests are aphids and whiteflies.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Coastal Ground Cherry?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Physalis alkekengi (Chinese Lantern)
- Physalis ixocarpa (Tomatillo)
- Physalis peruviana (Cape Gooseberry)
References
- “Physalis Angustifolia Nutt.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 20 July 2021. www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:814170-1.
- “Coastal Groundcherry.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The University of Texas at Austin. Accessed 20 July 2021. www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHAN4.
- “Physalis Angustifolia.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 20 July 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PHAN4.
