Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 50, 105]. A delicious flavouring when used like a tomato and added to soups, stews etc[K]. 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. The fruit can be stored for up to a year if picked before they are fully ripe and left inside their calyx.

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The juice from the berries has been used as an eyewash[257].

Physalis philadelphica, often considered the wild or semi-wild progenitor of the cultivated tomatillo (P. ixocarpa), shares many of the same characteristics and uses, both edible and non-edible. Beyond its culinary role, it serves as a valuable plant in ecological and traditional systems. The flowers attract a range of native pollinators, including specialist bees like Melitoma and Peponapis, making it a useful addition to pollinator-friendly gardens and biodiversity plantings. It also has potential as a trap crop in integrated pest management systems, diverting pests away from more vulnerable solanaceous crops like tomatoes and eggplants. The plant produces a good amount of biomass, which can be used for mulch or compost, contributing to soil health and fertility. In Mexican traditional medicine, P. philadelphica has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, with applications such as herbal teas and topical treatments for skin conditions. While scientific studies are limited, its ethnobotanical use is well-documented in some regions. The plant’s papery husks also have occasional cultural applications, such as in natural dyes or educational displays. Taken together, Physalis philadelphica represents a multifunctional species with potential roles in agroecology, traditional medicine, and ecological gardening.

Special Uses