About Physalis pruinosa L.
Physalis pruinosa L. is a plant species in the genus Physalis, which belongs to the nightshade family Solanaceae. It is commonly known by the common names ground cherry and husk tomato. This species is native to a geographic range that stretches from northern Mexico through Central America. The plant grows with a low, spreading habit. As is typical for all members of the genus Physalis, its fruits develop inside a papery husk. Most parts of this plant are toxic to humans because they contain the compounds solanine and solanidine. However, the fully ripened yellow fruit is edible and sweet. The papery husk, which is actually a modified calyx, remains toxic and should not be consumed. The flavor of this fruit shares some characteristics with the flavor of a ripe tomatillo, but it also has a distinct strong pineapple flavor. This pineapple note is reflected in the name of a popular commercial variety of the species, "Cossack Pineapple". The ripe fruit of the variety Physalis pruinosa var. argentina J. M. Toledo & Barboza is used as a food source by the Pilagá ethnic group. Currently, Physalis pruinosa is the subject of research focused on developing a genetically modified variety for use in industrialized agriculture. This research uses CRISPR genome editing, which may speed up the domestication process for the species.
