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What is it? (Original Post) elleng Sep 2023 OP
tomatillo msdogi Sep 2023 #1
Seconded mahina Sep 2023 #2
No fruit visible!!! elleng Sep 2023 #3
Right above dweller Sep 2023 #4
Lanterns with no fruit! elleng Sep 2023 #5
Googled Lantern plants; they look just like yours. ggma Sep 2023 #6
THANKS, will check! elleng Sep 2023 #7
Pretty sure it's a Chinese Lantern that will turn bright orange. ratchiweenie Sep 2023 #8
We used to call them... 2naSalit Sep 2023 #9
Thanks, will watch them changing color. elleng Sep 2023 #11
Don't put them in water like flowers... 2naSalit Sep 2023 #12
This message was self-deleted by its author 2naSalit Sep 2023 #10
leaf shape is tomatillo msdogi Sep 2023 #13
Looks like "ground cherries" ... eppur_se_muova Sep 2023 #14

elleng

(135,794 posts)
7. THANKS, will check!
Mon Sep 18, 2023, 06:52 PM
Sep 2023

NOW gotta keep looking, as I see no fruit: The lanterns are sometimes used in floral decorations, usually with leaves removed. The fruits are edible and surprisingly, are higher in vitamin C than lemons. Care should be taken though, as all other parts of the plant are poisonous. The plant also has a long history of medicinal uses. How to Grow and Care for Chinese Lantern, https://www.thespruce.com/chinese-lantern-plants-2132369

2naSalit

(92,379 posts)
9. We used to call them...
Mon Sep 18, 2023, 06:58 PM
Sep 2023

Chinese lanterns, they turn bright orange and are very decorative. We used them in dried flower arrangements.

But, they are very invasive and you have to keep an eye on them or they'll be all over the neighborhood in a few years.

I don't know if they have any other value.

elleng

(135,794 posts)
11. Thanks, will watch them changing color.
Mon Sep 18, 2023, 07:04 PM
Sep 2023

On my patio, where hair guy was doing my hair, so have to keep checking them, in big old container I used for roses.

2naSalit

(92,379 posts)
12. Don't put them in water like flowers...
Mon Sep 18, 2023, 07:11 PM
Sep 2023

Use them dried. They will turn before you pick them, not sure what they do if you pick them early.

Response to elleng (Original post)

msdogi

(430 posts)
13. leaf shape is tomatillo
Mon Sep 18, 2023, 07:23 PM
Sep 2023

Lantern plants have more of a heart shaped leaf, plants are very similar. Best identifier is flower color, lanterns are white, tomatillos are yellow. Fruit forms inside that husk.

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