Cutleaf Groundcherry

Physalis angulata

fy-SAL-is ang-yoo-LAY-tuh

Solanaceae

Native to: United States and tropical America

Florida abundance and distribution: Found commonly in dry, disturbed areas throughout Florida.

Recognition: Plant 60-90 cm with dark green oval toothy leaves. Fruit is surrounded by distinctive ten-ribbed lantern-shaped calyx with dark veins. Flower is five-sided and yellow.

Potentially confused species: Can be distinguished from the several other Florida Physalis by the inflated, ten-sided lantern-like calyx with dark venation and the leaves are generally more toothy in appearance than other potentially confused species in this family.

Other: Also known as winter cherry or wild tomato, Physalis angulata is in the same family as tomatoes and potatoes and produces edible fruit.

Contributed by: Carrie Black. Photo: Missouriplants.com