Wikimedia Commons
Solanaceae
Apple of Peru
Nicandra physalodes
Mystery.
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Genus
- Nicandra
- Native to
- Peru, South America
- Bloom season
- Summer, Fall
- Type
- annual
- Height
- 2-4 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, fertile, average soil
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 2-11
- Lifespan
- annual
Did you know
- Apple of Peru is the only species in the genus Nicandra, making it a truly unique plant.
- It is commonly called Shoo Fly Plant because it is reputed to repel whiteflies and other insects.
- Each bell-shaped flower opens for only a few hours before closing, blooming anew each morning.
- After flowering, it produces decorative lantern-like husks similar to Chinese Lanterns.
- The genus was named after Nikander of Colophon, a 2nd-century BC Greek poet who wrote about plants and poisons.
Color meanings
0
hidden potential
1
surprise