Is the lantern flower poisonous?
In Europe, three different plants bear the name lantern flower. Two of the species are poisonous and the other a delicacy.
Which parts are really toxic?
As you can see in the table, it is difficult to clearly identify the plants on the basis of the German name, which in turn makes the distinction between poisonous and non-poisonous flowers or flowers. Difficult to share flowers.
The Sandersonia aurantiaca is highly poisonous. It is also available in stores under the names lantern lily, Chinese lantern lily, Chinese lantern, gold bells, Chinese lantern flowers or Christmas bells. All parts of this plant are dangerous.
The Physalis species have slightly poisonous, green parts of the plant. Like tomatoes, they belong to the nightshade family and are just as indigestible as green tomatoes or the leaves and stems of plants.
The fruits of the Physalis peruvia can be found in the fruit- and vegetable trade under the name Cape Gooseberry. They're non-toxic and taste like gooseberries. You can recognize these plants in the garden by the lanterns, which are initially green and later turn yellow as they dry out.
All other Physalis varieties are pure Ornamental plants. The fruits don't taste good and are a little poisonous. In naturopathy, they are given as a diuretic.
When children play in the garden, they come into contact with plants. But which ...
| Wanted poster of the lantern flowers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| characteristic | Physalis alkekeng |
Physalis peruvia | Sandersonia aurantiaca |
| growth |
40 - 80 cm Herbaceous bush |
50 - 200 cm Herbaceous bush |
100-150 cm Herbaceous bush |
| leaves |
Egg-shaped, tapering to a point Fluffy hairy |
Egg-shaped, tapering to a point Fluffy hairy |
Long, narrow leaves Smooth |
| blossom |
Inconspicuous greenish yellow July to October |
Inconspicuous greenish yellow July to October |
Golden yellow flowers that are reminiscent of lanterns July to September |
| fruit |
Large orange or red, eye-catching lanterns Berry in the middle Enveloping lantern gradually becomes transparent |
Big green, eye-catching lanterns Berry in the middle Enveloping lantern turns yellow and dry |
Capsule fruits with lots of small brown seeds |
| Poison | Various bitter substances that lead to vomiting | Various bitter substances that lead to vomiting | Colchicine |
| Poisonous plant parts | Hardly any toxins in the fruits |
Only green parts of the plant contain the poison Edible fruits |
All plant parts |