PHYSALIS

genus of about 100 species (family Solanaceae) of small herbs noted for their inflated, baglike calyx (fused sepals), which encloses a fleshy berry and which occasionally becomes bright orange-red at maturity. The berries of some species of Physalis are edible, and the plants accordingly go by such names as Cape gooseberry (P. peruviana) and husk tomato (P. pruinosa). Chinese lantern is a name alluding to the showy bladderlike calyx of the mature fruit of P. alkekengi, which has also been known as Japanese lantern. Tomatillos (P. ixocarpa) are raised commercially as vegetables in Mexico.