Physalis is a genus of plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), native to warm temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world. The genus is characterised by the small orange fruit similar in size, shape and structure to a small tomato, but partly or fully enclosed in a large papery husk derived from the calyx. Many Physalis species are called groundcherries.
Physalis alkekengi (Bladder cherry, Chinese lantern, Japanese lantern, or Winter cherry; Japanese: hōzuki), is a relative of P. peruviana (Cape Gooseberry), easily identifiable by the larger, bright orange to red papery covering over its fruit, which resemble paper lanterns. It is native from southern Europe east across southern Asia to Japan. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 40–60 cm tall, with spirally arranged leaves 6–12 cm long and 4–9 cm broad. The flowers are white, with a five-lobed corolla 10–15 mm across, with an inflated basal calyx which matures into the papery orange fruit covering, 4–5 cm long and broad.
This post is part of the Mandarin Orange Monday meme.
Mhhmm, I like it very much!
ReplyDeletewhat a gorgeous flower! i have never seen this before. love the color!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous color!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! The flowers themselves and the contrast between orange shape and lines of green stems . The last one is such a beautiful composition with the red ball placed off centre. Thank you for sharing with Mandarin Orange Monday:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots. The color is so vivid. Have a fabulous week!
ReplyDeleteLiz (mlc)
Liz (yacb)