Quick facts
| Arabic name | الحرنكش (عنب الثعلب) |
|---|---|
| English name | Cape Gooseberry (Physalis) |
| Scientific name | Physalis peruviana |
| Family | Nightshade family (Solanaceae) |
| Plant type | Small short-lived perennial shrub |
| Height | Usually 1 to 1.5 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
September to October, and February to March
Harvest time
December to May
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A spreading plant with soft heart-shaped leaves, small yellow flowers and round orange fruits inside a dry papery husk.
Where it grows
Grown in home gardens in the highlands and mild areas such as Asir, Al-Baha, Tabuk, Al-Jouf and Hail.
Soil
Prefers light, well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Regular, moderate watering.
Climate and light
Likes mild weather and sun. Does not handle strong heat or frost.
Propagation
From seeds or cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- Fruits are rich in vitamin C
- Easy to grow in beds and pots
Drawbacks
- Leaves and unripe fruits are poisonous and not eaten
- Needs support because the branches lean
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Physalis peruviana
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Physalis peruviana
- Wikipedia: Physalis peruviana
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)