Physalis

Annuals or perennials, with often yellow to white flowers, tomato-like, with dark markings towards the centre. Lantern-like, papery calyces hold a juicy, edible fruit. P. alkekengi is the Chinese lantern plant, P. peruviana, Cape gooseberry and P. ixocarpa the tomatillo. All are in the Solanaceae family, with potato and tomato.

Physalis flowers are believed to be pollinated primarily by bees, especially solitary bee species and the berries may be eaten by small mammals and wasps, when ripe. Some of the perennial species, like the Chinese lantern (also known as Alkekengi officinarum) are strongly rhizomatous, and prone to forming dense patches: all steps should be taken therefore to avoid spread outside of gardens.