| Ground Cherry | |
| Physalis pruinosa | |
| a.k.a. Husk Tomato |
Small orange fruit similar in size and shape to a cherry tomato. The fruit is covered in papery husk. Flavor is a pleasant, unique tomato /pineapple like blend. The ground cherry is very similar to the cape gooseberry, both having similar, but unique flavors.
Description: Small shrub similar to the common tomato, can be grown as an annual or perennial. Plants are usually small, only 1-3ft in height.
Hardiness: Not frost hardy. Can be grow in most climates as an annual.
Growing Environment: They enjoy full sun, fairly warm (but not hot) temperatures, and protection from frost. 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. Grow in most soil types and will do very well in poor soils and in pots. Plants are susceptible to many of the same diseases and pests as the tomato.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: Uses are similar to common tomato. Can be eaten raw, used in salads, desserts, as a flavoring, and in jams and jellies. Fruits are excellent when dipped in chocolate, and can be dried and eaten.
Native Range: Native to Central and South America.