Physalis Phuzz: A Primer

Trichomes (aka hairs) are one of the most important ID features for Physalis. Their density, length, structure (simple/unbranched vs. branched; glandular vs. not) and orientation (antrorse/forward pointing, divergent/outward pointing, retrorse/backward pointing) are all crucial for species determination, in part because you can always see them regardless of whether the plant is fruiting or flowering.

Physalis heterophylla : Click to see full size. This species has long, dense, simple (unbranched) pubescence that is often glandular and has a divergent (sticking straight out) orientation. Photo © Clifton Albrecht from https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/112449559

Physalis cinerascens : Click to see full size. This species has short, dense, pubescence that is branched and non-glandular. Photo by Victor Engel from https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33734991

Physalis longifolia : Click to see full size. This species has short, simple, non-glandular pubescence with an antrorse (forward-pointing) orientation. Photo © Wayne Longbottom from https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/87642880

Physalis virginiana : Click to see full size. This species has short, simple, non-glandular pubescence with retrorse (backward-pointing) orientation. Photo © jtuttle from https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/12170907

Posted on May 27, 2022 03:13 AM by m_whitson