Apple of Peru
Nicandra physalodes
NEMBA category
English: Apple of Peru, Shoo-fly Plant, Shoofly Plant, Apple of Sodom, Peruvian Bluebell, Peruvian Groundcherry, Cape Gooseberry, Wild Gooseberry
Synonyms, misapplied or old scientific names: Physalis angulata var. grandiflora, Nicandra minor
An intriguing plant with delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of lilac, fading to white, each with a striking violet centre. As the flowers fade, they develop into lantern-like husks, enclosing a small, berry-like fruit. This is Nicandra physalodes, also known as Apple of Peru.
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Origins: Native to Peru.
Distinguishing features:
Distinctive inflated, papery calyx (the lantern-like husk) that encloses the fruit.
Flowers are solitary, nodding, and about 2-3 cm in diameter.
Leaves are broadly ovate with toothed or lobed margins.
Stems are stout, somewhat sprawling, and often purplish.
Fruit is a round, yellowish berry.
Overall appearance: An erect, branching annual herb.
Height: Typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre.
Width: Can spread to about 0.5 metres wide.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate, broadly ovate, and can be up to 20 cm long. They have irregularly toothed or lobed edges and a slightly wrinkled texture.
Flowers: The flowers are solitary, nodding, and arise from the leaf axils. The corolla is bell-shaped, about 2-3 cm in diameter, and is usually pale blue or lilac fading to white, with prominent violet spots in the throat.
Flowering season: Flowers primarily during the summer months in South Africa.
Fruits: The fruit is a globose, yellowish berry, 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter, enclosed within the enlarged, papery, lantern-like calyx, which turns brown as it matures.
Seeds: The seeds are numerous, small, and flattened.
Stems: Green, often tinged with purple, and somewhat fleshy.
Thorns: None.
Roots: Taproot system.
Soil type: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Aspect: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Edibility: The fruit is reported to be poisonous.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant, especially the unripe fruit and leaves, contain alkaloids and are considered poisonous to humans and livestock. Symptoms of poisoning can include gastrointestinal upset and neurological effects.
Uses: Sometimes grown as an ornamental due to its interesting calyx. Historically, it was believed to repel flies, hence the name "Shoofly plant."
Ecology: While it might attract some insects for pollination, as an alien invasive, it competes with native plants and can disrupt local ecosystems. Its poisonous nature means it is not a food source for many native herbivores.
Distribution and habitat: Widely naturalised in disturbed areas, gardens, roadsides, and agricultural lands across several provinces in South Africa, including Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Western Cape.
Derivation of name: The genus name Nicandra honours Nicander of Colophon, a Greek poet and physician. The species name physalodes refers to the inflated calyx, resembling that of plants in the genus Physalis. The common name "Apple of Peru" indicates its origin. "Shoofly plant" refers to the belief that it repels flies.
Interesting facts:
That papery lantern hiding the fruit is pretty cool, but it's a sign this plant is taking over places it shouldn't be!
People used to think it kept flies away, but don't rely on it – and definitely don't eat it!
Even though it's from Peru, it's now found all over the world, sometimes causing trouble for local plants.
It's related to tomatoes and potatoes, but unlike them, this one's a no-go for snacking.
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