Bloated bellows , also known as the Chinese lantern, is an extremely decorative perennial whose intensely orange goblets literally shine on autumn flower beds. Easy to grow and durable, the flower potter can be planted both in the ground and in pots. The latter method is, moreover, recommended more due to its expansiveness. Find out more about theproperties of the bloated bellowsand see what it can be used for.
Bloated bellows - Physalis alkekengi
Fig. pixabay
Bloated moth(Physalis alkekengi) belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The genus Physalis includes about 100 species most abundant in America. In our country, only the bloated mycosis occurs wild. It covers mountain meadows and forest edges.
Diffuse bellows - properties
Erect, angular, slightly hairy stems grow up to 60 cm in height.The leaves of the bloated cuppaare alternate, flap-shaped and triangular-ovate.
In July there are small, not very decorative,white flowers , which transform into small, light green pods. These, in turn, grow larger and turn orange in September. The bell-shaped, intensely orange, bloated calyx contains a small, spherical fruit resembling a cherry.The fruit of the bloated bellowsremains hidden until the calyx begins to fall apart with the onset of winter.
The fruit of the bloated bellowsare rich source of vitamin C and have healing properties. They are edible but only in full maturity. Their taste, however, does not encourage consumption.
The apple fruit hidden inside the lantern cover
Fig. pixabay
Diffuse bellows - application
Miechunka is primarily used for dry bouquets. Whole stems are added to the dried flower arrangements, while the individual "lanterns" look fantastic as Christmas decorations. For this purpose, the apple leaf beetle should be cut before the onset of autumn rains. Otherwise, the orange calyxes darken and lose their attractive appearance. In order to dry the collected sprouts, hang them in a cool and dry place. After 2-3 weeks, they will be completely dry and ready to use.
Stems of a cupcake cut to dry
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On the beddingthe orange cupola bellies look fantasticin combination with purple or blue New England asters, pink purple coneflower and yellow garden goldenrod.The problem with growing phyllops in the groundis that it spreads very easily by means of underground runners.It occupies large areas, displacing other plants. For this reason, this expansive plant is often grown in containers placed on balconies and terraces, or together with containers embedded in flower beds.
A bird next to asters and darts
Fig. depositphotos.com
The ripe fruit of the bloated physalisfound its use in medicine. They have long been recognized as an excellent remedy for treating kidney stones and other urinary tract ailments. Thanks to the high content of vitamin C, they strengthen the walls of blood vessels, fight free radicals, and regulate metabolism.
Autumn wreath from miechunki
Fig. depositphotos.com
Is the bloated bellows edible?
Leaves and young, unripe fruits of a bloated cuppaare poisonous to humans and animals They contain solanine, a tropane alkaloid with toxic properties similar to atropine.Symptoms of bellows poisoningare usually a slow heart rate, shock, and even coma.
The fruit of a bloated cupola can be eaten at full maturityHowever Contrary to the tomato leaf and the Peruvian fruit, the taste of the fruit does not encourage eating.
Fluffed flowers in pots
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Bloated bellows - cultivation
Miechunka is an easy-to-growand frost-resistant species (plant frost resistance zone 5). It can grow in partial shade, but only in full sun it produces the most abundant fruit and the most beautiful color.
As for the soil, theChinese lantern prefers fertile , humus, well-drained soils with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. It reacts poorly to standing water, so avoid planting plants in wetlands.
Bloated bellows next to heather and ivy
Fig. depositphotos.com
The position of the planting of the cuppamust be chosen with care, as the perennial has a strong branching capacity and can be expansive. Young plants should be watered regularly and, after planting, mulched to protect them from frost. Older specimens hibernate without being covered and require watering only during long-term drought.
Watering the bloated cuppashould be combined with soil loosening and weeding.
A bellows planted next to thuja and cranberries
Fig. depositphotos.com
Fertilization should be done in springby using multi-component mineral fertilizer. Use the second dose of fertilizer when the plant finishes flowering.
Bellows respond well to organic fertilization. In spring, during the strongest growth, as well as during the flowering and fruit setting period, it is worth supplementing the orchid with humus or mature compost.
The bellows does not require rejuvenation , it is enough to trim the ends of the shoots in summer for the plant to bloom profusely. At the end of the growing season, prune the shoots close to the ground, preparing the plants for winter.
Bloated bellows planted in a pot
Fig. depositphotos.com
How to breed a bloated phyllum?
There are 2 popularmethods of reproduction of the bloated cuppa , i.e. by division and by running cuttings.
Propagation of the phyllum by division- the most effective method of reproduction of a bloated phyllum is division of plants in spring - in March and April. Dig up the mature plant and divide it into several parts, so that each of them has 2-3 buds. For each new seedling, we shorten the roots and plant it immediately.
A bellows growing by the fence
Fig. depositphotos.com
Propagation of the cupola by seedlings- thanks to strong stolons, young plants quickly adapt to new places and tolerate transplanting very well. We dig up the mother plant from December to April and cut off he althy and strong stolons. We keep them in moist sawdust or immediately divide them into 5-6 cm long cuttings. The seedlings are placed in the ground in boxes or pots and placed in an unheated greenhouse or in an inspection. Young plants appear in spring - in April or May.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
