Incabes (Physalis peruviana)

The Physalis peruviana (Physalis peruviana), pineapple, cherry, incabes or Cape gooseberry is up to 2 m high, perennial, herbaceous plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The plant has large branched lateral shoots. The leaves, flowers and steal the chalices are covered with soft hairs. The alternately arranged leaves are heart-shaped and green. The leaves are 10-17 cm long and the edges are jagged. The flowers are solitary in the leaf axils of branches and stems. The bell-shaped cup is composed of five triangular portions. After flowering the calyx forms a shell of the berry.

The fruit is an orange, 1-2 cm large berry that remains enveloped by the light brown calyx. The juicy, bright orange flesh contains small seeds. It tastes aromatic and sweet to sour. The fruit, the Physalis peruviana, in the Netherlands mainly offered around Christmas time in the supermarket, but the rewards can be purchased on the market throughout the year. Optionally, to maintain about the plant at a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius for the next year. The species incidentally, comes from the same genus as the famous Chinese lantern plant.

Seed description:
Around the spring sowing indoors in seed and cutting soil. Ground keep constantly moist and at room temperature.

price 3:30