1. A tropical or subtropical plant of the nightshade family, or its small round fruit enclosed in a papery husk, often eaten fresh or used in desserts.
Usage: Also called ground cherry or cape gooseberry in some regions.; The fruit is typically yellow or orange when ripe.

Examples

• The physalis fruit has a sweet, slightly tart flavor that works well in jams.
• She bought fresh physalis at the farmers market to use in her dessert.
• The papery husk around the physalis protects the fruit during transport.
• Physalis plants thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight.
• The golden physalis berries were arranged on top of the cake for decoration.