Janet R. Sullivan on What’s next for Physalis?
Abstract. Physalis is an American genus of about 90 species, roughly 2/3 of which are endemic to Mexico. Some members of the genus are cultivated for their edible berries, and species have been introduced nearly worldwide either purposely or inadvertently. Physalis species are recognizable by the fruiting calyx that enlarges and inflates to completely enclose the berry, and pendent or nodding flowers borne singly at each node. Most species have an unlobed, yellow or cream-yellow, campanulate-rotate corollas with darker spots or smudges in the throat. The variable morphology of Physalis species has resulted in some taxonomic confusion and many misidentified herbarium specimens. Hair morphology is important in identifying most taxa. Since U. T. Waterfall monographed the genus in the 1950s and 1960s, research has focused on understanding taxonomically significant traits and their evolution, as well as sorting out species relationships and generic circumscription. As with understanding other Solanaceae, a collaborative and multi-faceted approach is important. This talk summarizes Physalis research to date and is intended to stimulate conversation about questions for future study.
Watch this talk here: https://youtu.be/dlnccEDiycQ
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