355 
should he consulted. One of the dwarf varieties is Phor- 
mimi Golensoi, J. Hook. 
Physalis Alkekengi, L. 
The Strawberry-Tomato or Winter- Cherry. Middle and 
South Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia, extending to 
J apan, said to have come originally from Persia. A peren- 
nial herb. The berry, which is red and of a not unpleasant 
taste, has some medicinal value. The leaves contain a 
bitter principle : Physalin. 
Physalis angulata, L. 
In many tropical countries, extending as a native plant to 
the northern parts of the United States and to Japan. An 
annual herb. Yellowish ; the berries edible. P. minima L. 
(P. parvijlora, E. Br.) appears to be a variety and extends 
also into tropical Australia. 
Physalis Peruviana, E- 
Temperate and tropical America, widely naturalized in many 
countries of the warmer zones. With double inaptness 
called the Cape G-ooseberry. A perennial herb ; but for 
^ producing its fruit well, it requires early renovation. The 
acidulous berries can be used as well as a table-fruit as for 
preserves. Doubtless several other kinds of Physalis can 
be utilized in the same manner. In colder countries the 
P. Peruviana becomes annual. 
Pimpinella Anisum, L. 
The Anise Plant. Greece, Egypt, Persia. An annual. 
The seed-like fruits enter into various medicines and condi- 
ments, and are also required for the distillation of oil, rich 
in Anethol. 
Pimpinella Saxifraga, L. 
Europe, North and Middle Asia. A perennial herb ; its 
root used in medicine ; a peculiar volatile oil can be distilled 
from the root. P. magna, L., is a closely allied species, and 
P. nigra, W., is a variety. The root of the last is particu- 
larly powerful. 
