Smooth Groundcherry
Scientific Name: Physalis subglabrata Mackenz. & Bush
Other Names: Husk-tomato
Life Cycle: perennial
General Description: Perennial with erect stems and alternate, ovate leaves.
Seedlings: Cotyledons are smooth and oblong. Perennial shoots lack cotyledons.
True Leaves and Stem: Leaves
are alternate and ovate with a pointed top. Margins may be entire or
slightly serrated. Letioles are long and ma be slightly hairy. Stems
become woody and smooth with age. Stems may be purple in color also.
Roots: Fiberous spreading rhizomes.
Flower and Fruit: Yellow
flowers with purple center are produced in the axils of the branches.
Petals are fused and bell shaped. When the tomato-like fruit matures, it
is surrounded by a papery, husky case. Fruits are red, orange, or
purple in color and contain small, flat, yellow seeds.
Other Information: Leaves and unripe fruit are poisonous.