Family: Solanaceae
Physalis peruviana (Peruvian ground cherry, poha) is an herbaceous perennial in the tropics. It is native to Chile and Peru. Poha berries are edible and can be eaten fresh, used in salads, desserts, jams, and preserves. It is reported to be naturalized in South America, Africa, Tropical Asia, Temperate Asia, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and French Polynesia. This plant was introduced to Hawai’i before 1825, and is now naturalized in disturbed sites in mesic to wet forest, diverse mesic forest, and subalpine woodland, 450-2,020 meters, on all of the main islands except Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe. This plant has been identified as one of several non-native plants that pose a threat to endangered Hawaiian plants.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability and elevation range
- Grows and spreads in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and widely naturalized elsewhere
- A weed of disturbed habitats, and mesic to wet forests
- Identified as a threat to certain endangered plants in the Hawaiian Islands, although not conclusively implicated in specific, detrimental effects
- Other Physalis species are invasive weeds
- Suspected to being toxic to grazing animals
- Foliage and green fruits toxic to people
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reported to form dense stands in certain habitats
- Reproduces by seeds
- Self-fertile
- Reaches maturity in one growing season
- Seeds dispersed by birds and other fruit eating mammals, and through intentional cultivation; inflated, balloon-like calyx aids in wind and water dispersal
- Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (longevity unspecified)
- Tolerates heavy pruning and cutting
Low Risk Traits:
- Impacts appear to be minimal or inconsequential in most habitats where it occurs
- Valued for its edible fruit
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Herbicides may provide effective control
