Favoritos de m_whitson

This ground cherry, Physalis mollis, was observed growing along a shady woodland trail in sandy, leaf covered soil. The plant forms a bright green leafy mound of 1 to 2 feet tall. Branches are reclining and trailing. Leaves are ovate with wavy margins. The plant is covered with microscopic, star-shaped hairs. Several bell shaped, pale yellow flowers with brownish purple centers are present. Each flower droops downward from a long stalk. Several lantern-shaped structures characteristic of the genus are also present. These "lanterns" form when the fruit is covered by the flower calyx which grows out, joins, and covers the fruit. Associate plants are various grasses such as Bahia, gaping panic grass, and love grass; sedges, spring flowers such as black eyed susan, phlox, coreopsis; and loblolly pine. Climate consists of very warm, humid summers, and mild winters with occasional freezes.