Re: [tomato] Chinese Red Lantern Tomatoes?
Louis Mensing (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Tue, 23 Mar 1999 20:41:15 -0800
-----Original Message-----
From: Celeste or Dave Anderson <Gtoughchile@mail.greatbasin.net>
To: Tomato@GlobalGarden.com <Tomato@GlobalGarden.com>
Date: Tuesday, March 23, 1999 6:52 PM
Subject: Re: [tomato] Chinese Red Lantern Tomatoes?
I believe the discussion is talking about several different plants. Chinese
Lanterns are Physalis Franchétti. They are perennials from Japan and hardy
to at least southern Minnesota. While edible, they are grown mainly for
their colorful husks. Tomatillos are less obvious species-wise as several
species go by that name. They are from Mexico and are annuals (seed hardy
to at least zone 7 as are several tomatoes). Then there are Ground Cherries
(P. pubescens) and IMHO the less desirable Cape Gooseberry (P.
peruviána)...all annuals. If any of these presented a danger to crossing
with tomatoes (Lycopersicon) I'm sure we would know about it as in my
childhood garden most of these were raised in the same garden and in close
proximity. There are some potato species (Solanum) that will cross with
tomatoes although the F1 generation has been sterile.
Sincerely,
Louis Mensing
zone 7b
Eugene, OR