Physalis peruviana
Native to Brazil, naturalised to Peru where it was named.
“Cape” either from the Cape of Good Hope in South Aftrica where it arrived in the 19th century or from the cape that surrounds the fruit.
Robust plant. perennial
Hardy to about -2 degreeds C
Grows to 1 metre high
Frost tender
Fruits in summer-autumn
Plant in full sun in well drained soil
Can be grown in pots
Prune back hard in spring to encourage new growth.
Does not need a lot of care – in fact too much fertiliser and it will fail to produce flowers or fruit
Fruit ripens over long periosFeb-Oct
Fruit can be harvested from the plant of from the ground
Golden orange colour of fruit will be visable throught cape when ripe
Helps to deter birds
