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Physalis minima
| Family Name: | Solanaceae |
| Synonyms: | Physalis eggersii O.E. Schulz, Physalis lagascae Roem. & Schult., Physalis lagascae O.E. Schulz var. glabrescens, Physalis micrantha |
| Common Name: | Bladder Cherry, Pygmy Groundcherry, Wild Capegooseberry, 小酸浆, 灯笼草, 黄姑娘 |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Annual |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 1.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Pantropics |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small herbaceous plant with an erect growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are ovate to cordate (9.7 cm long, 8.1 cm wide) with long petioles (4 cm long) and wavy leaf margins. The upper surface of the leaf is dark green, and the lower surface is light green. |
| Flowers | The flower is enclosed in a balloon-like calyx. The calyx is green with net-like markings, while the petals are yellow with black spots near the base. Flowers are small and bell-shaped. |
| Fruit | Fleshy fruits are known as berries. Yellow fruits contain juicy pulp and yellow, round seeds. Fruits develop within the balloon-like calyx. |
| Cultivation | Plant this species in fertile, well-drained soil. It has very good resistance to diseases and pests. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Fruit or Vegetable): Juicy fruits have a pleasant taste and are rich in vitamin C. Immature fruits can also be consumed as a vegetable. Medicinal: The plant is used medicinally among the Malaysian Chinese as well as the Malay. The leaves are used as a poultice for headache and ulcer. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate, Oblique / Asymmetrical |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1044 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2337 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
