Physalis ixocarpa
Physalis philadelphica
Physalis ixocarpa, commonly known as the husk tomato or bladder cherry, is a versatile medicinal plant native to Mexico. Renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, digestive issues, and inflammation. This potent botanical offers significant therapeutic potential in holistic medicine.
- Scientific name: Physalis ixocarpa
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Physalis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Physalis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Physalis ixocarpa, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In English, it is known as Physalis philadelphica, and it shares this same name in both Spanish (es: Physalis philadelphica) and Italian (it: Physalis philadelphica). In Welsh, it is called Tomatilo, while in Estonian, it is referred to as mehhiko füüsal, and in English, it is also known as Physalis philadelphica.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| es | Physalis philadelphica | Wikidata |
| it | Physalis philadelphica | Wikidata |
| cy | Tomatilo | Wikidata |
| et | mehhiko füüsal | Wikidata |
| en | Physalis philadelphica | Wikidata |
| zh | 黏果酸浆 | Wikidata |
| zh | 粘果酸浆 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found throughout Germany. The plant also inhabits Southwestern Europe, specifically covering the territories of Portugal and Spain. Finally, its range extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is located in Greece.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Eritrea | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the husk tomato, possesses a distinct anatomical structure where the stem serves as the central support, housing complex stem tissues that facilitate the transport of nutrients and water throughout the organism. The leaf structure is typically green and provides the necessary surface area for photosynthesis to fuel growth. One of the most defining characteristics of Physalis ixocarpa is the calyx, which undergoes significant enlargement during maturation to form a protective, bladder-like husk. Inside this inflated structure, the edible fruit develops, shielded from environmental stressors and pests by the papery covering.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem tissues | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| calyx | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Physalis ixocarpa has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ixocarpalactone A, physalin F, withanolides.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Ixocarpalactone A | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| physalin F | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| withanolides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Physalis ixocarpa has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aspergillus niger, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Penicillium chrysogenum, pancreatic cancer.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aspergillus niger | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| E. coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Penicillium chrysogenum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pancreatic cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |