Large-Flowered Tomatillo
ExplorePlants
Large-Flowered Tomatillo
physalis philadelphica
The Large-Flowered Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) is a sprawling annual plant in the nightshade family, highly esteemed as the primary ingredient in traditional Mexican green salsas. Originating in Mesoamerica, it was a staple crop for the Aztecs and Mayans long before the familiar red tomato took the global stage. It is easily recognized by its remarkable fruit, which grows encased in a papery, lantern-like husk formed from the plant's calyx. Beyond its culinary significance, this hardy plant is an adaptable pioneer species. It readily establishes itself in disturbed soils, agricultural fields, and garden plots. The plant features broad leaves and striking yellow flowers with dark centers that attract a wide variety of native bees. As it grows, it forms a dense, bushy habit that protects its developing husks and provides minor shelter for ground-dwelling insects.
Habitat: Typically found in agricultural fields, disturbed soils, roadsides, and cultivated gardens with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Appearance
Physalis philadelphica is an erect or sprawling annual herbaceous plant that typically reaches 60 to 120 centimeters in height. Its stems are somewhat succulent, bearing alternate, ovate to lanceolate leaves with irregularly toothed edges. The most distinguishing visual feature is its reproductive structure: beautiful, star-shaped yellow flowers with distinctive dark purple or brown markings radiating from the center. Following successful pollination, the flower's calyx dramatically expands into a pale green, papery, lantern-like husk that completely envelops the developing spherical berry. As the fruit matures, it fills the husk, eventually causing the papery covering to split and reveal the firm, sticky, green or purplish fruit inside.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSolanalesFamilySolanaceaeGenusPhysalis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Because tomatillo plants are highly self-incompatible, you must plant at least two of them near each other to produce any fruit.
The papery husk surrounding a tomatillo is actually an enlarged calyx, which is the part of the flower that originally protected the bud.
The sticky residue found on the skin of the fruit underneath the husk contains natural insect-deterrent compounds.
Tomatillos were cultivated by the Aztecs and Mayans centuries before the familiar red tomato became a staple crop.
Special abilities
Ability
Protective Calyx Husk
The enlarged papery husk physically shields the growing fruit from excessive sun, insect damage, and harsh weather conditions.
Ability
Self-Incompatibility
The plant requires cross-pollination from a genetically distinct neighbor to set fruit, promoting genetic diversity.
Ability
Drought Resilience
Deep taproots and somewhat waxy foliage allow the plant to tolerate extended dry spells in semi-arid environments.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-120 cm
- Lifespan
- 1 years
- Clutch Size
- 100-200
- Incubation
- 7-14 days
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it relies on sunlight to produce its own energy from carbon dioxide and water.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Western Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Pollinates the large yellow flowers.
herbivore
Three-Lined Potato Beetle
Lema daturaphila
Feeds destructively on the foliage.
seed disperser
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Consumes fallen fruit and disperses seeds.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Large-Flowered Tomatillo?
The easiest way to identify Large-Flowered Tomatillo is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Large-Flowered Tomatillo?
60-120 cm
How long does Large-Flowered Tomatillo live?
1 years
What does Large-Flowered Tomatillo eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it relies on sunlight to produce its own energy from carbon dioxide and water.
Where is Large-Flowered Tomatillo usually found?
Typically found in agricultural fields, disturbed soils, roadsides, and cultivated gardens with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
How many eggs does Large-Flowered Tomatillo lay?
100-200
How long do Large-Flowered Tomatillo eggs take to hatch?
7-14 days
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