Solanaceae FAMILY

Physalis missouriensis

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

The unripe fruits and foliage of Physalis species contain solanine and other solanidine alkaloids and are toxic if ingested in large quantities. The ripe fruiys are usually edible, and several species are cultivated for these fruits[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ].

Botanical Description

Physalis missouriensis is an erect, annual plant growing from a taproot. The plant produces spreading branches from most nodes, growing around 15 - 55cm tall[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeCentral and southern N. America - Nebraska, north-eastern Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, western Arkansas, Texas

HabitatRocky bluffs, dolomite ledges, cliffs, wooded slopes and stream banks primarily on the Ozark Plateau; at elevations from 50 - 500 metres tall[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. Rocky woods, limestone barrens[ 170 Title Ground Cherries, Husk Tomatoes and Tomatilloes. Publication Author Dremann. C. G. Publisher Redwood City Seed Co Year 1985 ISBN 0-933421-03-6 Description Only a small booklet but it covers the various species in some depth. ] and cultivated ground[ 43 Title Gray's Manual of Botany.Eighth Edition Publication Author Fernald. M. L. Publisher American Book Co.; New York Year 1950 ISBN 0442222505 Description A bit dated but a good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America. ].