Tag: Ground cherry

Native to the Americas, ground cherries, a member of the nightshade family, are a delicious and unique fruit that falls to the ground when ripe. Although related to poisonous nightshade plants, ripe ground cherries are completely safe to eat and are enjoyed fresh or cooked.

The classification of gooseberries is a common point of confusion, with many questioning whether they belong to the nightshade family. The surprising truth is that the name 'gooseberry' is shared by two completely unrelated plant species, one of which is a true nightshade, while the other is not.

Though both the Chinese lantern plant and the tomatillo belong to the *Physalis* genus, a critical botanical difference exists between them, as confirmed by numerous sources. This guide will definitively answer, 'Is lantern fruit the same as tomatillo?' and clarify the key distinctions for safety and culinary purposes.

Approximately 90 species make up the *Physalis* genus, which includes both the cultivated ground cherry and the lesser-known, often wild, clammy ground cherry. Knowing **what is the difference between clammy ground cherry and ground cherry?** is crucial for safe foraging and gardening, as improper identification can lead to consuming toxic plant parts.