Ivy-leaf Groundcherry
Physalis hederifolia
Observed on a shady slope near Sycamore Creek, w. slope of the Mazatzal Mts., Maricopa, Arizona, USA. June 2010.
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LEAVES: Somewhat thickened and slightly sticky leaves are elyptical with
wide dentitions at margins.
FLOWERS: Drab yellow with a brownish center. Five petals united into a
tube and tending to point downward.
HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL: Regrows for several seasons from an underground
stem and roots. Most plants are less than 40 cm
tall.
RANGE: Rocky soil, often in the shade of riparian trees or on partially
shaded cliff faces. Also in sandy soils high on the banks of creeks. Various
subspecies and varieties range across much of North America.
FRUIT: A tomato-like fruit about a centimeter in diameter is enclosed in
a papery sack formed from the fused sepals. Many seeds.
UNARMED
Solanaceae -- Nightshade Family
More Information:
- Southwest Environmental Information Network
- USDA Plant Profile
- ITIS Taxonomic Report
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search