Chinese Lantern - Physalis alkekengi - €5 per plant

This decorative herbaceous perennial grows well in the shade and produces tasty fruit very rich in vitamin C. The plants produce papery bright-orange calyxes that develop around the ripening fruit earning the plant its common name Chinese Lantern.  Plants are aggressive spreaders and will quickly form a a dense ground cover in a shady area.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Asia - Caucasus to China.
  • native habitat: Hedgerows and by damp paths, from the plains to the lower slopes of mountains
  • family: Solanaceae

Predators and Pests

  • None observed

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2a - 10b 
  • Physalis can become invasive, it is best to plant it in a pot or in a part of the garden that’s contained.

Known Hazards

  • All parts of the plant, except the ripe fruit, are poisonous

Overview

  • Herbaceous Perennial growing to 0.6 m  by 0.9 m
  • It is in flower in July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  • It prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form:Herbaceous  perennial
  • layer :Ground Layer
  • habit: spreading
  • height x width (m): 0.6x 0.9
  • years to bearing fruit:1  
  • productive life span: indefinite

Products 

  • Fruit: raw or cooked. Rich in vitamins, with twice the vitamin C of lemons. Only eat when ripe. Tastes better after a frost.
  • Medicinal:The plant has a long history of herbal use, and an interesting chemistry, but it is seldom used in modern practice
  • Can be used as a Ground cover in shady areas

Functions, behaviours

  • A very ornamental plant though it can be invasive.
  • The fruit is a berry about 17mm in diameter. 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
If you would like this plant send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project