Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Physalis pubescens L.
Vernacular Name(s):
Alkekengi; Ground cherry; Strawberry tomato
 Description

Lax annual, with simple and glandular hairs; stems to c. 90 cm tall. Lvs petiolate. Lamina c. 4–12 × 2.5–8 cm, ovate, ± dentate, ± densely covered in appressed hairs; base truncate to cordate, often oblique; apex obtuse. Fls solitary. Calyx hairy; teeth 2–3 mm long, lanceolate, acute. Corolla c. 6–8 mm diam., yellow with dark basal blotch; lobes short, obtuse. Anthers 1.8–2 mm long, yellowish with bluish margin. Fruiting calyx c. 2.5 cm diam., 5-ribbed, densely hairy. Berry 10–15 mm diam., pale yellow; flesh sweet. Seeds 1.5–2 mm diam., almost suborbicular.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Mar.