About Quincula lobata (Torr.) Raf.
Quincula lobata (Torr.) Raf. is a perennial herb with ridged, spreading stems that grow up to half a meter long. Its leaves are lance-shaped, reaching up to 7 centimeters long, with smooth or lobed edges. Flowers bloom from the leaf axils; these flowers are up to 2 centimeters wide, widely bell-shaped or flat-faced with five faint pointed lobes, and are not drooping like the flowers of many Physalis species. The flowers are purple, and sometimes have white coloring deep in their throats. The bell-shaped calyx of sepals at the base of the flower enlarges as the fruit develops, turning into an inflated, lantern-like structure up to 2 centimeters long that holds the berry. Phylogenetic studies indicate Quincula is closely related to the small North American genus Chamaesaracha. The Kiowa tribe has used the plant's berries to make jam. This species is native to the southwestern United States, ranging as far east as Kansas and Oklahoma, and northern Mexico. It grows in many types of open, dry habitat, including disturbed areas.
