About 75–90; see text Physalis (/ˈfaɪsəlɪs/, /fɪ-/, /faɪˈseɪlɪs/, /-ˈsæ-/, from φυσαλλίς : phusallís 'bladder'[3]) is a genus of approximately 75 to 90 flowering plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which are native to the Americas and Australasia.

A defining feature of Physalis is a large, papery husk derived from the calyx, which partly or fully encloses the fruit.

The typical Physalis fruit is similar to a firm tomato in texture, and like a sweet, tangy grape in flavor.

[6] Some species, such as the Cape gooseberry and tomatillo, have been bred into many cultivars with varying flavors, from tart to sweet to savory.

Archaeological sites support the historical use of Physalis as a food for indigenous people in what is now northern Mexico and portions of the United States.

[19] In the Gran Chaco region of South America, the consumption of the different species of Physalis for food has declined due to sociocultural and environmental changes.

Factors generally stem from the ongoing effects of colonization, including loss of ancestral territories to forestry exploitation and industrial agriculture as well as the decline of seasonal human migrations which were formerly part of the cycle of propagation, harvest, and consumption of Physalis.

[5] In 1831, Nees von Esenbeck was among the first researchers to complete a review of the Physalis species that had been described until that time in order to identify synonyms and subtaxa within the genus.

Michel Félix Dunal in 1852 and Per Axel Rydberg in 1896 also published efforts to subdivide Physalis, although these were not generally consistent with the taxonomy advocated by Esenbeck and Don.

[27] Physalis species are generally self-compatible and autogamous,[28] although some may exhibit self-incompatibility and require pollen from another plant to bear fruit or produce seed.

Sullivan reported in 1985 that natural hybridization rarely occurs among four species from the Physalis viscosa complex.