OP ORNAMENTAL PERENNIALS. 
115 
I 
1 .— PHYSALIS VISCOSA, Lin. THE CLAMMY WINTER CHERRY. 
■r* 
Synonymes. — P. pennsylvanica, Pursh. ; Alkekengl Bonariensis, Specific Character. — Leaves twin, repand, obtuse, subtomentous. 
Dill. Stem herbaceous, panicled in the upper part. 
Engravings. — Bot. Mag., t. 2625 ; and our^^. 3, PI. 80. 
Description, &c. — This plant has a creeping under-ground stem, which sends up suckers all round the 
plant. The stem branches in an angular manner, and the branches are square with sharp angles. The leaves, 
which are generally produced in pairs, are commonly waved at the edges, and covered with a soft down on the 
under side. The flowers are solitar)^ and not remarkable for their beauty ; the fruit is slightly acid and good to 
eat. The species is a native of Brazil, and also of the whole of North America, whence it was introduced in 
1699. It is of the easiest culture, and indeed, when once planted in any common garden soil, it spreads so fast, 
by means of its numerous suckers, as to be quite troublesome. The berries of the species are orange, but there is 
a variety the berries of which are not larger than those of a pea, and of a bright red. 
2.— PHYSALIS ALKEKENGI, Lin. THE ALKEKENGI, OR COMMON WINTER CHERRY. 
Synonymes. — P. halicacabum, Seop. ; Alkekengi ofBcinarum, 
Town. 
Specific Character. — The whole plant covered with a soft down, 
consisting of simple hairs. Root creeping ; stem almost simple ; leaves 
ovate, deltoid, acuminated, repand; flowers spotless; calyx ovate, 
coloured. 
Description, &c. — The flowers of this species are rather handsome, and the calyx inclosing the fruit is of a 
reddish yellow, with rather strongly marked ribs. The fruit itself is of a brilliant scarlet, and pleasantly acid, 
though after it has been eaten some time it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. It was formerly used in medicine, 
and is still considered wholesome, particularly in dropsical complaints. In some parts of Germany it is used as 
a substitute for gooseberries in preserves or tarts. It is found wild in many parts of Europe, always growing on 
the exposed part of hills ; and it is said to have been found also in Japan. It was known to the ancients, and 
is spoken of by Dioscorides. It was introduced into England before 1548, as it is mentioned by Dr. Turner, 
who wrote in that year, as good in medicine. 
8.— PHYSALIS PERUVIANA, Nees. THE PERUVIAN WINTER CHERRY, OR CAPE GOOSEBERRY. 
Synonymes. — P. esculenta, Willd.; P. tomeutosa, Medic.; P. pu- I Engraving. — Bot. Mag., t, 1068. 
bescens, Lin. ; P. tuberosa, Zucc. ; P. latifolia, Roem. et SchuU.; Specific Character. — Plant covered with pubescent hairs. Stem 
P. Barbadensis, Lam.; P. edulis, Sims. 1 erect, branched a little. Leaves cordate, acuminate. Calyx ovate. 
Description, &c. — This is a very handsome species. The leaves are covered with a soft grayish down ; 
the flowers are yellow, and are stained with a rich dark -brown spot at the base; and its calyx, which is, very 
large, is strongly marked with brown ribs. The berry is yellow, and it is not only agreeable to the taste, but 
it has a very agreeable fragrance. The berries are considered very wholesome, and are frequently used even in 
England as a substitute for gooseberries in tarts ; the plants being cultivated, occasionally, solely for their fruit. 
In other places they are cultivated in gardens as ornamental plants. The species is a native of South America 
the East Indies, New Holland, and Madeira ; it was introduced in 1772, and it requires a slight protection 
during winter. All the other species of Winter Cherry common in British gardens are annuals. 
