Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima (M.A. Curtis) Rydb. - A plant with diverse uses
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima (M.A. Curtis) Rydb., commonly known as Sea-shore groundcherry or Sticky groundcherry, belongs to the Solanaceae family. The plant is native to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast of North America.
General Appearance
The plant usually grows up to 50 cm in height, having hairy stem, ovate, and simple leaves. The leaves have a sticky texture that is due to the presence of glandular hairs. The flowers are yellow with purple-brown centers and greenish-yellow or purple-brown spots at the base of the corolla lobes. The fruit produced by the plant is a round berry, about the size of a small cherry, enclosed in a papery calyx.
Common Names
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima is known by various names including, sticky ground cherry, sea-shore groundcherry, seaside groundcherry, seaside horsenettle, and sandhill groundcherry.
Uses
The plant has several uses in different forms. The fruit of Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima is edible, and the plant is used in traditional medicine. The leaves of the plant have been used by Native Americans to cure digestive disorders. The plant contains several bioactive compounds that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. The fruit and leaves are also used in making medicinal teas and tinctures. The plant is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive appearance and is used for landscaping in gardens and parks.
Light Requirements
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima requires full sunlight for optimal growth. As a result, it is recommended to plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight may result in stunted growth and reduced yields.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The optimal growing temperature range is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause significant damage to the leaves, stem, and fruit production. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant during the warm seasons.
Soil Requirements
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil. The soil pH should be between 5 and 7.5. The soil should also be nutrient-rich. It is essential to choose a fertile soil or fertilize the soil before planting. The plant grows well in slightly acidic soils and moderate fertility. It is also essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as this could cause root rot.
Cultivation of Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima is primarily grown from seeds. The plant can be propagated either by direct seeding or by transplanting seedlings grown in a nursery. The seeds can be sown directly into the well-draining soil after the last frost of winter. It is important to start with a good soil mix that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage. The seeding depth should be around one-fourth of an inch deep.
Watering Needs of Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima requires regular watering during its growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. The plants should be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry. In areas with high temperatures and low humidity, the plants may require watering more frequently.
Fertilization of Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The plant responds well to balanced fertilizers such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-10. The plant should be fertilized every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. It is important not to over-fertilize as this can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage and fewer fruits.
Pruning Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima does not require extensive pruning. However, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches or leaves. This will help to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of any diseases. Any branches that cross or rub against each other should also be pruned to avoid damage to the plant. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to avoid pruning during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Propagation of Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima plants can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. The plant produces seeds and also has the ability to propagate vegetatively.
Propagation by seeds
The most common and straightforward method of propagating Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima is by seeds. The fruits of the plant contain numerous seeds that can be used for germination. The seeds need to be extracted from the ripe fruit and allowed to dry off for a few days before sowing.
Once the seeds are ready, they can be sown in seed trays or pots filled with a suitable potting mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and the trays or pots should be kept moist. Germination typically occurs within a week or two.
Propagation by cuttings
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima can also be propagated using stem cuttings. This method is particularly useful when the plant is already established and mature, and the desired characteristic of the parent plant is to be maintained.
To propagate the plant using stem cuttings, select a healthy stem that is at least 4-6 inches long. Cut the stem right below the node using a sharp and sterilized blade. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving only the leaves at the top intact.
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. The pot should be then placed in a warm, bright spot with high humidity. The cutting should begin to root within two to four weeks.
Propagation by layering
Layering is another viable option for propagating Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima. This method is similar to propagation by cuttings, but the difference is that instead of cutting the stem from the parent plant, it is bent down and buried into the soil.
To propagate the plant using layering, select a healthy stem and bend it down towards the soil. Make a shallow wound on the stem's bottom section and dust some rooting hormone powder around it. Bury the wounded section into the soil, ensuring that the top section of the plant remains above ground.
The layer should begin to produce roots within a few weeks. At this point, the stem can be cut off from the parent plant, and the new plant can be transplanted into a pot or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima (M.A. Curtis) Rydb. can be affected by several diseases, including:
- Early Blight: This fungal disease causes leaf spots that start as small, dark lesions and eventually enlarge and turn yellow. The leaves may fall prematurely, and the fruit can also be affected. To manage early blight, remove and destroy diseased plant parts, avoid overhead watering and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Verticillium Wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease can lead to wilting and yellowing of leaves, followed by plant death. There is no cure, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed. Avoid planting Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima (M.A. Curtis) Rydb. in soil where this disease has been identified.
- Phytophthora Root Rot: This soil-borne fungal disease can lead to wilting, stunting, and yellowing of leaves followed by plant death. Avoid overwatering, allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions and avoid planting in areas that have a history of this disease.
Pest Management
Physalis viscosa L. var. maritima (M.A. Curtis) Rydb. is also susceptible to pest infestations. Here are some common pests that affect this plant:
- Aphids: These tiny, pear-shaped insects suck the sap from leaves, causing them to wilt and distort. They can also spread viruses. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a spray of water to knock them off the plant.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests cause yellow spots on leaves and fine webbing on the plant. Use a spray of water to knock them off the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These larvae feed on young seedlings, often cutting them off at the base of the stem. To manage cutworms, use collars made of cardboard or plastic around the base of the seedling, and apply a biological control product containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
