Physalis from Glenda, SC

This plant is in Northwest Richland County and I think that it is the “husk tomato”, Physalis pubescens. It has come up in a part of my vegetable garden that has been neglected.

 

Glenda,

this is certainly a Physalis, aka Ground cherry.  I am not certain of the species – several characters used in the keys are not clear to me in the image – including anther color and type of pubescence, and if it is annual or perennial – so that’s all I can do at this time.

If the anthers are blue and the plant is an annual, it could be either P. angulata or P. pubescens, the former being glabrous. If they are yellow or if the plant is perennial , there are several other species it could be.

Sincerely

Steve Hill  SCNPS Botanist

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