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Solanaceae
Cape Gooseberry Flower
Physalis peruviana
Hidden treasure.
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Genus
- Physalis
- Native to
- South America, Peru, Colombia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 2-3 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained, fertile, sandy loam
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 8-11
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The papery lantern-like husk that encloses the fruit develops from the calyx of the flower after pollination.
- Despite the name 'Cape gooseberry,' it is not related to true gooseberries and gets its name from the Cape of Good Hope where it was cultivated.
- The fruits contain five times more vitamin C than oranges by weight.
- Cape gooseberry flowers have five dark purple-brown blotches at their base that act as nectar guides for bees.
- The dried husked fruit is a popular garnish in fine dining restaurants worldwide.
Color meanings
0
surprise
1
hidden beauty
2
nourishment