cape gooseberry · Asked on Facebook · 5 November 2026
What is the name of this plant with papery lantern-like fruits?
This plant is a Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), also called ground cherry or rasbhari in many places. It’s a small fruiting plant with edible orange berries inside papery lantern-like husks.
The question
“What is the name of this plant in your area?"”
What's likely going on
The plant in the photo is a Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), a member of the tomato family. It’s easy to recognize by the:
- Soft, papery, lantern-shaped husks (calyx) hanging from the stems
- Bright orange berry hidden inside each husk when ripe
- Simple green leaves and small yellow flowers with a darker center
In many regions it’s also called ground cherry, golden berry, Inca berry, or rasbhari. The exact local name varies from place to place, but it’s the same basic plant.
What to do
Check ripeness before eating
The fruits are ready when the husks turn tan or light brown and feel dry, and the berry inside is deep golden-orange.Taste-test carefully
Ripe fruits are sweet-tart and edible raw or cooked. If they taste bitter or are still green, they’re not ripe.Avoid leaves and unripe green parts
Like tomatoes, the leaves and very unripe fruits can be mildly toxic if eaten in quantity. Only the fully ripe orange berries are for eating.Save seeds if you like it
Dry some ripe seeds on paper, then store them in a cool, dry place to sow next season.
How to prevent it
If you want a healthy plant and lots of fruit:
- Grow in full sun with well-drained soil.
- Water regularly but don’t leave the soil soggy.
- Mulch around the base to keep moisture even and reduce weeds.
- Support with a small stake if stems flop when loaded with fruit.
When to worry
- If fruits stay small and green and husks drop early, the plant may be getting too little sun or irregular watering.
- If you see lots of holes in leaves or sticky residue, check for pests (like caterpillars or aphids) and remove by hand or spray with soapy water.
- If you’re unsure it’s a Cape gooseberry, wait before eating and confirm with a local gardener or extension office, especially if children or pets might nibble on it.
Answered by the GrowPls assistant. Every plant and room is different; if things don't improve, a clear close-up photo of the affected part is the fastest way to a better answer.
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