physalis

/ faɪˈseɪlɪs /

noun

1. See Chinese lantern strawberry tomato

Word History and Origins

Origin of physalis¹

New Latin, from Greek physallis a bladder (from the form of the calyx)

Example Sentences

Southern California is a good spot to grow Physalis, since the plants don’t like wet feet and prefer lots of sun.

From Los Angeles Times

Now through Feb. 7, BTI is mailing free seeds to people who register to become “citizen scientists” in their Physalis Improvement Project by planting the seeds in their gardens and sending photos and reports about how their plants grow.

From Los Angeles Times

So why isn’t there more interest in their Physalis plant cousins, the husked fruit known as goldenberries, groundcherries and tomatillos?

From Los Angeles Times

Their work, which appeared in the journal Nature Plants, is part of a scientific initiative called the Physalis Improvement Project.

From New York Times

A member of the genus Physalis, it bears papery, heart-shaped husks that resemble Chinese lanterns.

From New York Times