Uchuva
Cape Gooseberry

Physalis peruviana

Ground Cherry, Tomatillo, Physalis peruviana, Kenya, photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed among weeds at margin of a marsh near Eldoret, Rift Valley, Kenya, Africa. Dec 2015.

fruit of Physalis peruviana photo © Michael Plagens

From Wikipedia: The fruit is a smooth berry, resembling a miniature, spherical, yellow tomato. Removed from its bladder-like calyx, it is about the size of a marble, about 1–2 cm in diameter. Like a tomato, it contains numerous small seeds. It is bright yellow to orange in color, and it is sweet when ripe, with a characteristic, mildly tart flavor, making it ideal for snacks, pies, or jams. A prominent feature is the inflated, papery calyx enclosing each berry. The calyx is accrescent until the fruit is fully grown; at first it is of normal size, but after the petals fall it continues to grow until it forms a protective cover around the growing fruit.

Solanaceae -- Nightshade Family

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, Created on 13 January 2016