Sunberry (Physalis minima)

Family: Solanaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Physalis minima is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tastes like a cherry tomato. — 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.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy river flats in Australia. Field edges, waste ground near houses, roadsides etc, in porous organic-rich soils in the Himalayas. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)