PHYSALIS ALKEKENGI Meaning and
Definition
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Physalis alkekengi, commonly known as Chinese lantern or bladder cherry, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Asia and Europe. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is characterized by its unique bright orange to reddish inflated lantern-like calyx enclosing the fruit.
The plant typically grows up to 60 centimeters in height, featuring ovate to heart-shaped leaves that alternate along the stem. During summer, it produces small white flowers that eventually transform into the distinctive lantern-shaped fruits. These fruits are approximately 3-4 centimeters in diameter, enclosed in a papery calyx that gives them a lantern-like appearance. Inside each fruit, there are small edible reddish berries, which are mildly sweet in taste.
Physalis alkekengi is widely cultivated for its decorative nature, primarily as an ornamental plant in gardens and flower arrangements. Its vivid orange calyxes, often used dry or fresh, provide stunning visual appeal and are frequently used in traditional and contemporary floral crafts.
Health-wise, the plant exhibits potential medicinal qualities. Some studies have revealed that its fruits and leaves contain various bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and essential oils. These compounds are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiviral properties, among others.
Despite its ornamental and medicinal value, it is vital to note that certain parts of the plant, including the unripe fruit and leaves, may be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Therefore, caution should be exercised when consuming Physalis alkekengi or using it for any therapeutic purposes.
Common Misspellings for PHYSALIS ALKEKENGI
- ohysalis alkekengi
- lhysalis alkekengi
- -hysalis alkekengi
- 0hysalis alkekengi
- pgysalis alkekengi
- pbysalis alkekengi
- pnysalis alkekengi
- pjysalis alkekengi
- puysalis alkekengi
- pyysalis alkekengi
- phtsalis alkekengi
- phgsalis alkekengi
- phhsalis alkekengi
- phusalis alkekengi
- ph7salis alkekengi
- ph6salis alkekengi
- phyaalis alkekengi
- phyzalis alkekengi
- phyxalis alkekengi
Etymology of PHYSALIS ALKEKENGI
The word "Physalis Alkekengi" has a botanical etymology.
"Physalis" is derived from the Greek word "phusalis", meaning "bladder", referring to the inflated calyx (a part of the flower surrounding the base of the corolla). This genus was given this name because the calyx forms a bladder-like structure around the fruit.
"Alkekengi" is derived from the Arabic word "Al-Qaqangi", which translated to "a plant introduced from China". From Arabic, it was further translated into Latin as "Alkekengi", referring to the plant's Chinese origin.
