GROUND CHERRY - Physalis subulata var. neomexicana - Tomato family
Spanish - Tomate del Campo

The Ground Cherry is a common inhabitant of desert washes, mesas and stony hillsides throughout New Mexico. It develops capsules like a papery envelope, enclosing a small fruit resembling a diminutive tomato. Its name “tomate del campo” as defined by Spanish descendants means tomato of the plains. Medicinal properties include treatment of sore throat or tonsil trouble. Relief of these symptoms is acquired when a compress is made by mixing either the ground green or ripe fruit with a pinch of salt. Plains Indian women stewed the berries with honey to make a jam. Historically the plants were cultivated by Zuni women, who boiled the ripe berries and ground them in a stone mortar with raw onions, chile, and coriander seds for a salsa.