Physalis peruviana - Goldenberry

Family:	Solanaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	S. America - Peru. Naturalized in C. and S. Europe.

Physalis peruviana (Goldenberry) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 8and is quite resiliant to frost.
Goldenberry will flower in January to April. the seeds ripen from February to May
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, wind

Soil Information

Goldenberry will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Goldenberry prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Goldenberry can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Not known

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a sheltered position in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[196, 200]. Prefers a rich loam[38] but tolerates poor soils[196]. If the soil is too rich it encourages leaf production at the expense of fruiting[196]. Plants tolerate a pH in the range 4.5 to 8.2[196]. The Cape Gooseberry is an evergreen shrub in its native environment. It is not very cold-hardy in Britain, however, though it can succeed outdoors as a herbaceous perennial in the mildest areas of the country or when grown in favoured positions such as the foot of a sunny wall. Some cultivars will tolerate temperatures down to about -10° when grown in this way[K]. It would be wise to apply a good protective mulch to the roots in late autumn after the top growth has been cut back by frosts. In most areas of Britain, however, it needs to be grown as an annual in much the same way as tomatoes. The plant is usually naturally bushy, but it can be useful to pinch out the growing tip whilst the shoots are less than 30cm tall in order to encourage side shoots[K]. This species is often cultivated for its edible fruit in warm temperate and tropical zones, there are some named varieties[3, 183]. 'Edulis' is the most common cultivar in Britain, it has considerably larger fruits than the species but these do not have quite such a good flavour[K]. Yields of 20 tonnes per hectare are common in S. America, 33 tonnes has been achieved[196].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 5/5
Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, cakes, jellies, compotes, jams etc[1, 2, 3, 34, 183]. A delicious bitter-sweet flavour, it has smaller but sweeter fruits than the cultivar 'Edulis'[K]. The dried fruit can be used as a raisin substitute, though it is not so sweet[183]. 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. The fruit is rich in vitamin A (3000 I.U. of carotene per 100g), vitamin C and some of the B complex (thiamine, niacin and B12)[196]. The protein and phosphorus levels are exceptionally high for a fruit[196]. The fruit is a berry about 2cm in diameter[200]. The dried fruit is said to be a substitute for yeast[183]. If picked carefully with the calyx intact, the fruit can be stored for 3 months or more[196]. The fruit is about 2cm in diameter[196].

• Fruit -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The leaf juice has been used in the treatment of worms and bowel complaints[240]. The plant is diuretic[240].

• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Vermifuge - Expels and kills internal parasites.

Propagation

Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away well. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination[170]. Division in spring[111]. This is best done without digging up the plant. Remove young shoots that are growing out from the side of the clump, making sure that some of the below ground shoot is also removed. It is best if this has some roots on, but the shoot should form new roots fairly quickly if it is potted up and kept for a few weeks in a shady but humid part of the greenhouse[K].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are poisonous[19, 65].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

'Edulis' - This form has larger fruits than the species but fruits later. We do not feel that this fruit is quite as nice as the species[K]. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own paper bag to protect it from pests and the elements.

References

Ground Cherries, Husk Tomatoes and Tomatilloes.
Dremann. C. G.
Author: Dremann. C. G.
Rating:
Publisher : Only a small booklet but it covers the various species in some depth.
Date of Publication : 1985

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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