[1] It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Calliphysalis carpenteri, commonly known as Carpenter's groundcherry.

Calliphysalis carpenteri is native to sandy soils on the coastal plain regions of south-eastern North America from northern Florida to Louisiana and Arkansas,[2][3] it was first described from specimens collected in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana.

[4] Its species name honors the botanical contributions of early Louisiana naturalist William Marbury Carpenter (1811-1848).

At that time it was placed in a new, monotypic genus, Calliphysalis, based on chromosomal, molecular, morphological, and phylogenetic data that demonstrated its uniqueness.

[6] The Plants for a Future project notes that Calliphysalis carpenteri belongs to a genus which includes members with poisonous leaves and stems, although the fully ripe fruits are usually edible, and give it an Edibility Rating of 2 out of 5, with no medicinal value or other uses noted.