Apple of Peru Nicandra physalodes

Names

• Synonyms

  Apple Of Peru, Shoofly Plant, Peruvian Bluebell, Wild Petunia

• Common names

  Atropa physalodes, Boberella nicandra, Nicandra adansonii, Nicandra bicolor, Nicandra bonplandii, Nicandra laevis, Nicandra physalodina, Nicandra undulata, Physalis daturifolia, Physalis elegans, Physalis laevis, Physalis nicandra, Physalis peruviana.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Nicandra physalodes is apple of Peru. This plant contains toxic alkaloids and is considered poisonous to humans. If ingested, the alkaloids can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious consequences such as respiratory problems or cardiac effects. It is advisable to avoid eating any part of this plant.

• To pets

  Apple of Peru is toxic to pets as well. Similar to humans, the plant contains alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and in severe cases, seizures or heart problems. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these toxic effects.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  3 feet 0.91 meters

• Spread

  2 feet 0.61 meters

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  Varies

• Native area

  Peru

General Benefits

• Ornamental value: Nicandra physalodes, commonly known as shoo-fly plant, has attractive bell-shaped flowers and lantern-like seed pods that can add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
• Insect repellant: The plant is believed to repel certain insects, which makes it useful for planting in gardens as a natural pest deterrent.
• Easy to grow: Shoo-fly plant is known for being easy to maintain, as it can grow in a variety of soil conditions and is relatively drought-tolerant.
• Self-seeding: It readily self-seeds, ensuring its presence in the garden year after year with little effort on the gardener's part.
• Companion planting: Shoo-fly plant can be used in companion planting to help protect vulnerable crops from insect pests.

Medical Properties

• Antibacterial: Nicandra physalodes has shown antibacterial activity against certain pathogens.
• Anti-inflammatory: Some compounds in the plant have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties.
• Insecticidal: While not directly a medical property for humans, the plant has been used to repel or kill insects that can transmit diseases to humans or livestock.
• Diuretic: Traditionally, it might have been used as a diuretic to help with the elimination of fluids from the body.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: There are historical references to its use in treating certain gastrointestinal issues.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Nicandra physalodes, commonly known as apple-of-Peru, can be used as a natural dye, producing a range of blue and green hues on fabrics when used in traditional dyeing processes.
• Its seeds have been utilized as beads in jewelry-making due to their unique appearance and hardiness.
• Gardeners sometimes use apple-of-Peru as a trap crop to protect valuable plants because it attracts certain pests, such as whiteflies and aphids, away from other plants.
• The plant is often included in butterfly gardens, as it can serve as a food source for caterpillars and attract a variety of pollinators.
• Some cultures use the dried seed pods of apple-of-Peru for decorative purposes in flower arrangements and crafts for their intricate, lantern-like appearance.
• In rural areas, the plant has been used to create a temporary fencing or hedge as it grows quickly and robustly, effectively marking boundaries or providing privacy.
• The sturdy stalks of mature plants have been repurposed as a raw material for making paper or as fiber in rudimentary textiles.
• Due to its fast growth and dense foliage, apple-of-Peru is sometimes planted for erosion control on banks and slopes that are prone to soil loss.
• Its distinctive pod shape has inspired design elements in fashion and home decor, where the pod's form is printed or embroidered into various items.
• Farmers have used the whole plant as green manure, incorporating it into the soil to improve soil fertility and structure because it decomposes rapidly and adds organic matter.

Feng Shui

The Apple of Peru is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Apple of Peru is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection - Nicandra physalodes, commonly known as apple-of-Peru, is often associated with protection due to its believed ability to ward off pests and evil in traditional folklore.
• Isolation - The plant's characteristic of growing in a solitary manner leads to its symbolism of isolation or independence.
• Deception - With its attractive exterior but potentially toxic seeds, apple-of-Peru can symbolize deception, cautioning against judging by appearances.