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Plant identification

Eynsham RedEynsham Red Posts: 55
in Plants
Hi,
I have three plants that have self seeded (possibly from the bird feeder, or maybe birds) that I’m struggling to identify.
The tallest had grown to around 1.5 metres tall and has a fruit encased in a thin green skin shell, similar to a Cape Gooseberry.
I’ve attached a pic of the fruit shell and another showing the leaves.  I’d be grateful if anyone has any thoughts on what it might be.
Thank you.

Posts

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Nicandra physalodes aka Shoo fly plant aka Apple of Peru
  • Eynsham RedEynsham Red Posts: 55
    Thank you Palustris.  That makes great sense. I’ve just read that they use the seed in commercial bird food mixes.
    Thanks again.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Yes we had one in our polytunnel last year. I collected the seed heads (or so I thought) and sowed them but nothing. Then in the veg patch this year in amongst the swiss chard up one pops. Now in flower.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    We’ve had them all over the veg patch along with datura this year. I suspect the seeds benefitted from last year’s long hot summer. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    Palustris said:
    Nicandra physalodes aka Shoo fly plant aka Apple of Peru
    Agree....Nicandra physalodes ...common name  Shoo fly.
    Flowers are rather attractive.
    Produces a berry.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    They are prolific self seeders and if left to do their thing, you will often find some of them will produce variegated leaves - flowers the same. 
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