Lobed Ground Cherry
Chinese Lantern
Quincula lobata
Physalis lobata
Photographed west of Palo Verde, Maricopa Co., Arizona. March 2008.
Sponsored Links:
FRUIT: The sepals form an inflated, yellow-brown calyx surrounding the
developing fruit. Small, green berry inside with several to many seeds.
PERENNIAL: Herbaceous above ground and normally low growing, less than
35 cm tall, but trailing on ground. Not apparent after extended
drought.
LEAVES: Dark green leaves are elyptic and usu. with broad, lobe-like
teeth on margins.
RANGE: Tends to occur where an underground water supply is available for
at least part of year. Riparian or damp alkaline. Also found in adjoining
areas, California to Texas, and Sonora, Mexico.
FLOWERS: Saucer-shaped flowers with dark purple corolla and white
throat. Blooming in spring and occasionally after summer rains.
UNARMED. Without thorns/spines.