Appearance
''Physalis heterophylla'' is a perennial, and is one of the taller-growing North American members of the genus, reaching a height up to 50 cm. The leaves are alternate, with petioles up to 1.5 cm, ovate in shape, usually cordate at the base , 6–11 cm long at maturity. Each member of the genus ''Physalis'' has at least one characteristic that makes it easy to differentiate in the field. For ''P. heterophylla'', the stems and leaves are glandularly pubescent, giving it the "clammy" feel from which its name is derived. The plant also has distinctive thick rhizomes that run horizontal to the stem.The flowers are on simple inflorescences that emerge from leaf apexes. The petals are yellow on the exterior, and yellow on the interior with purple highlights emanating up each petal from the base. They are funnelform in shape, with five fused petals. There are five reticulated sepals, which enlarge after flowering to eventually protect the maturing fruit. Stamens five, with yellow anthers and purple filaments. The flowers face downwards when open, and are about 2.5 cm in diameter.
Uses
The fruits are typical for the family, and have a slightly bitter taste, though they are perfectly edible when ripe. The rest of the plant is poisonous, including to animals.References:
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