Pygmy groundcherry (Physalis minima)

Ceplukan or pygmy groundcherry (Physalis minima) is a plant species in the Solanaceae, a pantropical perennial herb, 50 cm high, green in color, grows in wet or semi-wet areas, the fruit is edible and has a pleasant taste, is often used as an anti-cancer, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

P. minima has an erect trunk with many branches, is square with sharp angles, 20-50 cm high, bright green and juicy. The branching produces two or three new stems and becomes the point for producing leaves and fruit.

The leaves have a smooth surface, hairless, plain or serrated edges, 2.5-12 cm long, light green color and pointed tips. The stalk is long and continues to be a bone in the center of the leaf with some lateral veins.

Bell-shaped flowers with five corners, cream to yellow in color with brown plots on the inside and white pistils. The fruit is yellowish green and packed in a thin covering that turns brown and falls to the ground when ripe.

Pygmy groundcherry grows wild in forest edges, marshes, along waterways, rice fields and disturbed lands that are lots of sun, humid or semi-wet. Fresh fruit contains a lot of water, is eaten immediately and has a sweet taste.

All parts of the plant are used to treat cancer, detox and antioxidants. Root for treating smallpox. Fruit and leaves to relieve pain and anti-inflammatory, cure bleeding gums and ulcers.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Subphylum: Angiospermae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Subfamily: Solanoideae
Tribe: Physaleae
Genus: Physalis
Species: Physalis minima

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