Physalis alkekengi franchetii - Makino.

Edible Parts: Fruit  Leaves
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 2, 4, 7, 105]. 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[34, 65]. Rich in vitamins[100], with twice the vitamin C of lemons[179], but not much taste[178]. We have found them to be bitter and rather unpleasant[K]. Young leaves - cooked[105, 170, 179]. Caution is advised, the leaves are almost certainly poisonous, at least when raw.

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Aperient  Diuretic  Expectorant  Febrifuge  Malaria  Vitamin C

The plant has a long history of herbal use, and an interesting chemistry, but it is seldom used in modern practice[238]. The whole plant is antiphlogistic, antipyretic, antitussive and expectorant[9, 61, 147, 178, 218]. An overdose of the plant is said to easily precipitate an abortion[218]. The fruit is aperient, strongly diuretic and lithontripic[4, 7, 9, 218]. It is used internally in the treatment of gravel, suppression of urine etc and is highly recommended in fevers and in gout[4, 238]. The fruit is harvested when fully ripe and can be used fresh, juiced or dried[238]. The calyx should be removed[238]. The leaves and stems are febrifuge and slightly tonic[4]. They are used in the treatment of the malaise that follows malaria, and for weak or anaemic people[4]. The fresh leaves have been used externally in the treatment of skin inflammations[238]. The seed is used to promote early labour[218]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fruit. It is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder disorders[9].

Plants spread rapidly by their roots and can be grown as a ground cover[208]. They are best spaced about 1 metre apart each way[208].

Special Uses

Ground cover