There has been considerable confusion between this species and Physalis lagascae Roem. & Schult. Some of the reports under this name may more properly apply to Physalis lagascae

Common Name: Sunberry

General Information

Sunberry is an erect, much-branched, annual plant growing around 50cm tall.
The edible fruit is sometimes gathered from the wild and used locally, The plant also has a range of medicinal uses.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many of the members have poisonous leaves and stems, though the fully ripe fruits are usually edible[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Probably originating in the American tropics, it is widespread throughout much of the world.

Habitat

Sandy river flats in Australia[]. Field edges, waste ground near houses, roadsides etc, in porous organic-rich soils in the Himalayas[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[].

Edible Uses

Edible fruit - cooked[, , ]. Tastes like a cherry tomato[]. Scarcely worthwhile[]. Juicy, mildly astringent and sweet with a pleasant blend of acid, the overall quality is good[]. The unripe fruit can be cooked as a vegetable[]. The fruit is about 1.5cm in diameter[]. It contains about 6% sugars, 2.7% protein, 1.2% ash, 0.6% tannin and 0.5% pectin[]. A good quantity of vitamin C. about 24.5mg per 100ml of juice[]. The fruit is formed and ripens consecutively over a long period[]. Average yields from a plant covering 2.5 square metres are about 545g[]. 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.

Medicinal

All parts of the plant are used as a diuretic and antipyretic[].

The fruit is said to be alterative, appetizer, bitter, diuretic, laxative and tonic[, ].

The pounded leaves are used as a remedy for headache and itches[]. The juice of the leaves, mixed with mustard oil and water, has been used as a remedy for earache[].

The root is febrifuge and vermifuge. An extract of the root is taken for fevers, whilst the root is chewed to act as a vermifuge[]. A decoction of the roots is drunk to treat hypertension and diabetes[].
The roots are chewed and applied as a poultice to the lower abdomen in order to reduce pain[].

Extracts from the plant have shown anticancer activity[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ. Germination is usually quick and free. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination with daytime temperatures of 30°c falling to 21°c at night[, ].

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