ENGLISH NAME: Chinese Lantern,
Bladder Cherry
LATIN NAME: Physalis alkekengi
LOCAL NAMES:
Georgian: ონტკოფა (დუდღუბო)
COUNTRY: Cultivated and
naturalized in Georgia (notably Adjara, Guria, Kakheti)
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Gardens, flower borders, naturalized roadside and field margins
Elevation: Lowlands to moderate elevations
Terrain: Well-drained soils; tolerates loamy to sandy soils
DESCRIPTION:
A herbaceous perennial 60–90 cm tall with arching, hairless stems bearing dark
green, serrated leaves. Small, white, five-petaled flowers give way to 5 cm
papery husks (“lanterns”) that enclose the orange-red berries. Lanterns start
green, maturing through fall to bright orange or red, creating an ornamental
display.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves; ripe
berries
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Leaves: Contain flavonoids
and other phenolics; used traditionally as mild anti-inflammatory poultices or
infusions.
Berries: Rich in
carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins; potential antioxidant and mild
anti-inflammatory actions. Traditionally used in small-dose infusions for
general wellness and support of respiratory and urinary systems.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Unripe berries contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids and can be mildly toxic if
eaten in quantity; ripe berries should be used only in moderation.
COMBINING WITH OTHER
MEDICINES:
May be blended with soothing herbs such as chamomile or elderflower in
infusions. Use caution if combined with other glycoalkaloid-containing plants
or potent diuretics.
PREPARATION:
Leaf Infusion
(Tea):
Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water (90 °C) for 10–15 min; strain and drink.
Leaf Poultice: Crush fresh or
dried leaves to a paste; apply externally to reduce mild inflammation.
Berry Infusion
(Tea):
Steep 1 Tbsp dried ripe berries in hot water for 10–15 min; strain and consume,
sweetened if desired.
HARVEST TIME:
Leaves: Late spring to
early summer (pre-flowering)
Berries: Late summer to
early autumn (when husks turn orange/red)
HARVEST METHOD:
Leaves: Snip outer,
mature leaves with clean scissors; rinse lightly and use fresh or dry.
Berries: Cut or gently
pull ripe fruits from their husks; rinse before processing.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Drying: Spread leaves or
berries in a single layer in a shaded, well-ventilated area until fully dry.
Storage: Store in
airtight glass jars in a cool, dark place. Check periodically and discard if
any moisture or mold appears.