What to Know About the Lantern Berry Plant
Learn about the Lantern Berry plant, from its unique papery husk to the important distinctions between its ornamental and edible varieties.
The lantern berry plant, with its delicate, papery husks that glow in autumn gardens, is an object of fascination. These distinctive husks resemble miniature paper lanterns and conceal a small, berry-like fruit within. This article explores the lantern berry’s characteristics, natural distribution, and how different varieties are used around the world.
Understanding the Lantern Berry Plant
The term “lantern berry” most often refers to plants within the Physalis genus, which belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. These herbaceous plants are recognized by their simple, heart-shaped or ovate leaves with smooth or toothed edges. They produce solitary, bell-shaped flowers that are typically pale yellow. After pollination, the flower’s base, known as the calyx, expands to become an inflated, papery husk that fully encloses the developing berry.
This distinctive husk is the source of the plant’s common name, as it often develops a vibrant color that resembles a festive lantern. Two of the most well-known species are Physalis alkekengi, commonly called the Chinese Lantern, and Physalis peruviana, known as the Cape Gooseberry or goldenberry. The Chinese Lantern is famous for its large, bright orange to red, papery husk. In contrast, the Cape Gooseberry produces a more subtle, straw-colored or greenish husk that envelops its edible golden fruit.
Where Lantern Berries Thrive Naturally
The natural distribution of lantern berry plants varies significantly depending on the species. Physalis alkekengi, the Chinese Lantern, is native to a wide swath of temperate regions across Southern Europe and Asia. It grows in open woodlands, scrublands, and along disturbed ground, preferring sites that receive full sun to partial shade. This species flourishes in well-drained, loamy, or sandy soils.
Conversely, Physalis peruviana, the Cape Gooseberry, originates from the high-altitude Andean regions of South America, like Peru and Bolivia. This species is adapted to subtropical climates and thrives in areas with consistent moisture and rich, well-drained soil. It grows as a perennial shrub along forest edges and in clearings where it can receive ample sunlight. Its journey saw it introduced to the Cape of Good Hope in the 19th century, which led to its common name.
Edibility and Traditional Applications
The edibility of lantern berries differs greatly between species. The fruit of Physalis peruviana, the Cape Gooseberry, is widely consumed. When ripe, the golden-orange berry has a unique sweet-tart flavor that some compare to a pineapple or a strawberry-tomato blend. These berries can be eaten fresh, added to salads, made into jams and sauces, or used in baked desserts. They are also noted for their Vitamin C content.
On the other hand, Physalis alkekengi is grown primarily as an ornamental plant. While its fully ripe berries are sometimes considered edible, the unripe fruit and other parts of the plant, including the papery calyx, are considered toxic and should not be consumed. The flavor of P. alkekengi berries is often described as bitter, and it’s safest to treat this species as purely decorative unless the specific cultivar is known to be non-bitter.
Cultivating Your Own Lantern Berries
Most lantern berry species are easily grown from seeds started indoors before the last frost or from young plants purchased from a nursery. They perform best in a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Providing consistent water is important, especially as the fruits are developing.
Physalis peruviana is a tender perennial that is often grown as an annual in cooler, temperate climates, much like a tomato plant. Physalis alkekengi is a hardy perennial that can survive colder winters and may spread aggressively in the garden through its root system, making container planting a wise choice for containment. For edible varieties, berries are ready to harvest when the husk becomes dry and the fruit inside is fully colored. For ornamental types, the “lanterns” are harvested in the fall once they have achieved their brilliant orange-red hue.