Strawberry Tomato
Physalis pruinosa L.
Physalis pruinosa, known as Strawberry Tomato, is a species in the nightshade family Solanaceae. It is native to regions spanning from northern Mexico through Central America and is cultivated or naturalized in various parts of the world. The plant is characterized by its low, spreading growth and fruits enclosed in a papery husk. The fruit becomes edible when it ripens to yellow, and its flavor resembles a tomatillo with a distinct pineapple-like taste. The variety Physalis pruinosa var. argentina is used as a food source by the Pilagá people.
Description
Physalis pruinosa is a member of the genus Physalis in the Solanaceae family. It is distributed in regions such as Brazil, India, and various parts of Mexico and Central America. The plant produces fruits within a papery husk, a trait common to the genus. While unripe fruits and other plant parts contain toxic compounds like solanine and solanidine, the ripe fruit is edible and has a flavor that combines elements of tomatillo and pineapple. A notable commercial variety is called 'Cossack Pineapple.' The variety Physalis pruinosa var. argentina is consumed by the Pilagá ethnic group. The species was first described in 1753 by L.
Other common names
Strawberry Tomato
Distribution
BR · ID · IN · Global · Vermont-US · Argentina Northeast · Argentina Northwest · Bolivia · Brazil Northeast · Costa Rica · El Salvador · Guatemala · Honduras · India · Mexico Central · Mexico Gulf · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Northwest · Mexico Southeast · Mexico Southwest · Nicaragua · Ogasawara-shoto · Paraguay · Venezuela
Synonyms
Physalis maximaPhysalis nicandroides var. attenuataPhysalis pruinosa var. pruinosaPhysalis viscida
