# Nicandra physalodes > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Nicandra_physalodes > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Nicandra_physalodes.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicandra_physalodes > Source revision: 1345049907 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Species of flowering plant in the nightshade family}} {{Speciesbox |image = Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn.jpg |genus = Nicandra |species = physalodes |authority = ([L.](/source/Carl_Linnaeus)) [Gaertn.](/source/Joseph_Gaertner) }} '''''Nicandra physalodes''''' is a species of flowering plant in subfamily [Solanoideae](/source/Solanoideae) of the [nightshade family](/source/Solanaceae). It is known by the common names '''apple-of-Peru'''{{BSBI 2007 |accessdate=2014-10-17 }} and '''shoo-fly plant'''. It is thought originally to have been native to western South America, including [Peru](/source/Peru), and is known elsewhere as an [introduced](/source/introduced_species) and [ruderal species](/source/ruderal_species) – sometimes as a [weed](/source/noxious_weed) – in tropical, subtropical and, to a lesser extent, temperate areas all over the world. It has also long been cultivated as an [ornamental plant](/source/ornamental_plant) for its attractive flowers and curious fruits (the latter sometimes dried for use in [floral design](/source/floral_design))''Reader's Digest Encyclopaedia of Garden Plants and Flowers'', fourth edition,1987. and has been adopted into the [traditional medicine](/source/traditional_medicine) of countries far-removed from its original home. ==Description== ''Nicandra physalodes'' is an annual species growing to 1 metre tall with spreading branches and ovate, mid-green, toothed and waved [leaves](/source/Leaf). The [flower](/source/flower)s are bell-shaped and 5 centimeters or more across, pale violet with white throats (occasionally pure white), opening only for a few hours in the day. The flower becomes lantern-like towards the end of its blooming period, the inflated [calyces](/source/Calyx_(flower)) somewhat resembling those of certain ''[Physalis](/source/Physalis)'' spp., although in ''Nicandra'' (unlike in ''Physalis'') the fruiting calyx is deeply lobed, (the [sepal](/source/sepal)s cordate) and not a single, undivided, bladder-like structure. The plant is thought to have [insect repellent](/source/insect_repellent) properties,[https://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Nicandra+physaloides Plants for a Future] particularly in relation to [whitefly](/source/whitefly).{{Cite web | url=http://theseedsite.co.uk/profile331.html |title = Nicandra physalodes}} ''N. physalodes'' seeds have a relatively thick [testa](/source/Testa_(botany)) (seed coat) and exhibit strong [dormancy](/source/Seed_dormancy), which may, however be broken by a combination of warm and cold [stratification](/source/Stratification_(botany)), involving temperature fluctuation between {{Convert|15 and 25|C}}.{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1614/0043-1745(2002)050[0152:EFAGOA]2.0.CO;2|year = 2002|volume = 50|issue = 2|pages = 152–156|title = Environmental factors affecting germination of apple of Peru|journal = Weed Science|last1 = Watanabe|first1 = Hajime|last2 = Kusagaya|first2 = Yoshino|last3 = Saigusa|first3 = Masahiko| s2cid=86230652 }} ==Distribution== ''Nicandra physalodes'' is native to western South America – Northwest [Argentina](/source/Argentina), [Bolivia](/source/Bolivia), North and Central [Chile](/source/Chile) and [Peru](/source/Peru). It has been introduced in many tropical and temperate regions worldwide.{{cite web |title=''Nicandra physalodes'' (L.) Gaertn. |work=[Plants of the World Online](/source/Plants_of_the_World_Online) |publisher=[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew](/source/Royal_Botanic_Gardens%2C_Kew) |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:816832-1 |accessdate=2019-03-28}} It is a [weed](/source/weed) of [arable land](/source/arable_land) nearly worldwide.{{Cite book |last1=Holm |first1=LeRoy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i7JjRXH6uq4C&pg=PA505 |title=World Weeds: Natural Histories and Distribution |last2=Doll |first2=Jerry |last3=Holm |first3=Eric |last4=Pancho |first4=Juan V. |last5=Herberger |first5=James P. |date=1997-03-05 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-471-04701-8 |language=en}} In the [British Isles](/source/British_Isles), the plant is a frequent casual, found in bare or sparsely grassy places,{{cite book |last1=Blamey |first1=Marjorie |last2=Fitter |first2=Richard |last3=Fitter |first3=Alastair |title=Wild flowers of Britain and Ireland |edition=2nd |publisher=Bloomsbury |location=London |date=2013 |isbn=978-1-4081-7950-5}}{{rp|204}} including cultivated ground, waste places and [rubbish tip](/source/rubbish_tip)s.Mabey, Richard ''Flora Britannica'' pub. Sinclair-Stevenson, an imprint of Reed International Books Ltd. 1996, page 302. Its occurrence is often traceable to the presence of its seeds in commercial brands of [bird seed](/source/bird_seed).{{Cite web | url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=538 | title=Nicandra physalodes (Shoo-fly plant) / RHS Gardening}} ==Stock poison== ''Nicandra physalodes'' is suspected of having poisonous properties similar to those possessed by certain ''Physalis'' species implicated in the poisoning of [sheep](/source/sheep).Lewis, Walter Hepworth and [Memory Elvin-Lewis](/source/Memory_Elvin-Lewis), P.F. Medical Botany : Plants Affecting Man's Health pub. Wiley-Interscience / John Wiley & Sons Inc. 1977. Some conflicting evidence in respect of these suspicions has emerged from [Australia](/source/Australia) (where the plant is sometimes known as ''wild [gooseberry](/source/gooseberry)''), in which the plant has been suspected, on rather vague evidence, of poisoning stock at various times, although a feeding test carried out in [New South Wales](/source/New_South_Wales) using a sheep and a [goat](/source/goat) gave negative results. A case was reported from New South Wales in 1970 in which two crossbred ewes died, apparently as a result of consuming this plant. The animals had been left to graze in a paddock of [Wimmera ryegrass](/source/Wimmera_ryegrass) heavily infested with ''Nicandra physalodes'' plants of around {{Convert abbreviated|60|cm}} in height, such that they overtopped the grass. Both ewes died, with symptoms of [bloat](/source/ruminal_tympany) within 12 hours. At [necropsy](/source/necropsy) there were extensive [hemorrhages](/source/hemorrhages) in heart and [lungs](/source/Pulmonary_hemorrhage), but no other apparent abnormalities. The [paunches](/source/rumen) of the ewes were observed to contain large amounts of ''Nicandra''.Everist, Selwyn L. ''Poisonous Plants of Australia'' first published by Angus and Robertson, Australia 1974, revised edition published by same house as part of Australian National Science Library 1981, page 641. ==Uses== The literature on the plant features somewhat conflicting accounts of use, as a species both edible and toxic/medicinal, pointing to the conclusion that it should be regarded as suspect and treated with caution. The whole plant is said to be toxic (even, according to some sources,[Polunin, Oleg](/source/Polunin%2C_Oleg) ''Wild Flowers of Europe'', pub. Oxford University Press 1969, pps. 370-371. very toxic) and to be used medicinally as a [diuretic](/source/diuretic), [sedative](/source/sedative) and [cough medicine](/source/cough_medicine). The tender leaves have, on occasion, been cooked as a [leaf vegetable](/source/leaf_vegetable) or pot herb (e.g. in the cuisine of [Tanzania](/source/Tanzania)), yet the [decoction](/source/decoction) of the leaves has been used as an [insecticide](/source/insecticide) to treat [head lice](/source/head_lice); while the juice of the fresh leaves has been used to treat [amoebiasis](/source/amoebiasis). Unspecified medicinal uses of the leaves have also been recorded in the [folk medicine](/source/folk_medicine) of [Brazil](/source/Brazil) and [Madagascar](/source/Madagascar).{{Cite web | url=https://www.alchemy-works.com/nicandra_physalodes.html |title = Splash of Cream Apple of Peru Seeds from Alchemy Works}} The rather dry, brown berries within the papery calyces have an odour reminiscent of cooking oil and, although described in at least one source as being poisonous, are eaten by the [Raji](/source/Raji_language) people of [Nepal](/source/Nepal). The seeds are said to be edible, but also to be employed as an insecticide and medicinally as an [antipyretic](/source/antipyretic), being boiled with water and taken for fever, [indigestion](/source/indigestion) and [constipation](/source/constipation), thus further implying [laxative](/source/laxative) properties.{{cite book |last=Quattrocchi |first=Umberto |title=CRC World dictionary of medicinal and poisonous plants: common names, scientific names, eponyms, synonyms and etymology |publisher=CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group |date=2012 |volume=IV, M-Q |page=277 }} The seeds are used in [traditional Tibetan medicine](/source/traditional_Tibetan_medicine) in which system they are described as having an acrid taste and to possess 'a cooling, very poisonous potency' manifested in effects that are [analgesic](/source/analgesic), [anthelmintic](/source/anthelmintic), [antibiotic](/source/antibiotic), [anti-inflammatory](/source/anti-inflammatory) and antipyretic; being used also to treat [toothache](/source/toothache), [impotence](/source/impotence) and unspecified 'contagious disorders' and furthermore to 'increase bodily vigour' (i.e. to function as an [adaptogen](/source/adaptogen)) if consumed in regular doses.{{Cite web | url=https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Nicandra+physalodes | title=Nicandra physalodes - Useful Tropical Plants}} ''Nicandra physalodes'' is used as a folk remedy in several countries in the [Himalaya](/source/Himalaya), including [Himachal Pradesh](/source/Himachal_Pradesh), [Uttar Pradesh](/source/Uttar_Pradesh), Nepal and [Sikkim](/source/Sikkim),Polunin, Oleg and Stainton, Adam, ''Flowers of the Himalaya'', pub. Oxford University Press 1984, page 288 although it is not native to the region. This may be due to a popular recognition of a familial resemblance – particularly in regard to calyces inflated at fruiting – to several native Solanaceous plants of the Himalaya long used in traditional medical practices, the genera involved being ''[Anisodus](/source/Anisodus)'', ''[Physochlaina](/source/Physochlaina)'', ''[Przewalskia](/source/Przewalskia)'' and ''[Scopolia](/source/Scopolia)'' (all belonging to tribe Hyoscyameae of subfamily Solanoideae). The much valued (and consequently over-harvested) species ''[Anisodus tanguticus](/source/Anisodus_tanguticus)'' is perhaps particularly relevant in this context.Illustrations of the botany and other branches of the natural history of the Himalayan Mountains and of the flora of Cashmere by J. Forbes Royle.Published London, Wm. H. Allen,1839. Nicandra seeds have been used for at least a century in Southwestern China to produce the [jelly](/source/Gelatin_dessert) used in the dessert known as ''[bingfen](/source/bingfen)'' ({{zh|c=冰粉|p=bīngfěn}}: literal translation: ''iced rice noodles''), known usually in the west as ''crystal jelly'' or ''ice jelly'' and said to have been invented in the [Qing dynasty](/source/Qing_dynasty). The jelly is prepared by pouring a quantity of the small, plump, brown seeds into an envelope of [cheesecloth](/source/cheesecloth), soaking them for a time and then scrubbing them vigorously in a bowl of mineral water in order to liberate the [pectin](/source/pectin) which they contain. [Slaked lime](/source/Calcium_hydroxide) is then stirred into the pectin-rich solution, causing it to set after a few hours into a delicate, yellowish jelly of neutral flavour. This gelatinous product is relished, not for its taste, but for its intriguing and pleasant texture and it serves as a 'blank canvas' for a variety of flavourings – notably a locally-produced, unrefined, brown sugar syrup with a [molasses](/source/molasses)-like taste. Desserts based upon ''crystal jelly'' are particularly popular in the city of [Chengdu](/source/Chengdu), where they are valued both for the cooling relief they afford to those irked by the humid summer heat and the equally cooling contrast which they provide to the often highly-spiced, local [Sichuan cuisine](/source/Sichuan_cuisine) (see also [Mala (seasoning)](/source/Mala_(seasoning)).https://www.foodandwine.com/news/get-ready-for-the-bingfen-boom Retrieved at 15.50 on 5/8/21. In the southern United States, the juice of the plant has been mixed with milk as a poisoned bait for [houseflies](/source/houseflies) and [blow flies](/source/blow_flies) in the same way in which the crumbled caps of the fungus ''[Amanita muscaria](/source/Amanita_muscaria)'' were used in parts of Europe.Lumpert (2016). "Catching flies with Amanita muscaria: traditional recipes from Slovenia and their efficacy in the extraction of ibotenic acid". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 187: 1–8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.009.Wasson, R. Gordon, ''Soma : Divine Mushroom of Immortality'' pub. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. 1968. However, the flies were said to be killed outright, rather than merely stupefied, as in the case of the mushroom/milk infusion. ==Chemistry== ''Nicandra physalodes'' contains nicandrenones, a group of the [steroid](/source/steroid)al [lactones](/source/lactones) known as [withanolide](/source/withanolide)s. The nicandrenones, like certain other types of withanolide, have insecticidal properties. 30 years after their discovery, the first total [synthesis](/source/Chemical_synthesis) of nicandrenones was carried out in the year 2000.Stoltz, B. M.; Kano, T.; Corey, E. J. (2000). "Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Nicandrenones". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 122 (37): 9044–9045. doi:10.1021/ja0024892. Amongst its other paradoxical attributes, ''N. physalodes'' is also slightly intoxicating,Wink, Michael and van Wyk, Ben-Erik ''Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World'', pub. Timber Press Inc. 2008. showing a certain degree of [psychoactivity](/source/psychoactivity) of a type similar to that elicited by the tropane alkaloid [hyoscyamine](/source/hyoscyamine) (well known as one of the active principles present in the notoriously toxic nightshades ''[Hyoscyamus niger](/source/Hyoscyamus_niger)'' and ''[Atropa belladonna](/source/Atropa_belladonna)'' and causing [mydriasis](/source/mydriasis) – a symptom said also to be caused by the alkaloids present in ''Nicandra''). This property of the plant is reflected in one of the common names given it in [France](/source/France) (namely {{Lang|fr|belladonne de pays}} i.e. 'country belladonna') and likewise in the common name ''belladona'' given it in [Bolivia](/source/Bolivia).von Reis, Siri and Lipp, Frank J. jr. ''New Plant Sources for Drugs and Foods from The New York Botanical Garden Herbarium'', pub. Harvard University Press 1982. It is not yet known whether this mild psychoactivity is referable to the alkaloid content or the withanolide content (or possibly to both – or indeed a synergy between the two). Like its more toxic relatives, ''Nicandra physalodes'' is alkaloidal, analyses having revealed the presence of the tropane alkaloid [tropinone](/source/tropinone) and the [pyrrolidine](/source/pyrrolidine) alkaloid [hygrine](/source/hygrine) (0.1%, in the root). Withanolides are found almost exclusively in plants of the Solanaceae and, while it is noticeable that many psychoactive species belonging to that family contain only, or primarily, such compounds, not a single withanolide has yet been proven to be psychoactive. The compounds are named for the Solanaceous genus ''[Withania](/source/Withania)'', the best-known species of which, ''[Withania somnifera](/source/Withania_somnifera)'', is, as its specific name suggests, mildly psychoactive to the extent of being sleep-inducing (among other useful medicinal properties). The use of ''W. somnifera'' (common name (i.a.) 'Indian [ginseng](/source/ginseng)') as a tonic (adaptogen) in [Ayurvedic](/source/Ayurvedic) medicine{{Cite journal |doi = 10.3390/molecules14072373|pmid = 19633611|pmc = 6255378|title = Steroidal Lactones from Withania somnifera, an Ancient Plant for Novel Medicine|journal = Molecules|volume = 14|issue = 7|pages = 2373–2393|year = 2009|last1 = Mirjalili|first1 = Mohammad|last2 = Moyano|first2 = Elisabeth|last3 = Bonfill|first3 = Mercedes|last4 = Cusido|first4 = Rosa|last5 = Palazón|first5 = Javier|doi-access = free}} parallels the use of ''Nicandra'' as an adaptogen in traditional Tibetan medicine (see above, under 'Uses') and is accounted for by withanolide content.Rätsch, Christian, ''The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications'' pub. Park Street Press 2005, page 867.''The Biology and Taxonomy of the Solanaceae'' edited by Hawkes, J.G., Lester, R.N. and Skelding, A.D. (Linnean Society Symposium Series Number 7) Published for the Linnean Society of London by Academic Press 1979, page 250. Also present in ''Nicandra'' are calystegines, a new group of polyhydroxy alkaloids with a nortropane skeleton and named for the bindweed genus ''[Calystegia](/source/Calystegia)'' ([Convolvulaceae](/source/Convolvulaceae)). Their occurrence has been noted in several species of the Solanaceae, including ''Atropa belladonna''. The biosynthesis of these compounds is thought to take place via the tropane alkaloid pathway, the first metabolite being pseudotropine.{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1007/BF00033882|title = Calystegines as a new group of tropane alkaloids in Solanaceae|journal = Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture|volume = 38|issue = 2–3|pages = 235–240|year = 1994|last1 = Dräger|first1 = Birgit|last2 = Funck|first2 = Christoph|last3 = Höhler|first3 = Almut|last4 = Mrachatz|first4 = Gabriele|last5 = Nahrstedt|first5 = Adolf|last6 = Portsteffen|first6 = Andreas|last7 = Schaal|first7 = Angela|last8 = Schmidt|first8 = Rainer|s2cid = 6220839}} ==Gallery== File:Die Giftpflanzen Deutschlands (1910) (20738516718).jpg File:Nicandra physalodes flower3 (14509297559).jpg File:Nicandra physalodes flower4 (14509271550).jpg File:Nicandra physalodes plant.jpg File:Nicandra physalodes leaves flower fruits.jpg File:Dumplunine nikandra.JPG File:Nicandra physalodes (Solanaceae).jpg File:Nicandra physalodes flower.jpg File:Nicandra physalodes blackspots leaf and flower.JPG File:Nicandra physalodes fax 01.JPG File:Nicandra physalodes Prague 2013 3.jpg File:Nicandra physalodes fruits.jpg File:Nicandra physaloides MHNT.BOT.2012.10.6.jpg File:Nicandra physalodes seeds.jpg ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *{{Commons category-inline|Nicandra physalodes|''Nicandra physalodes''}} *[http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_index&where-taxon=Nicandra+physalodes Photo gallery] {{Taxonbar|from=Q1509784|from2=Q21871954}} Category:Solanoideae Category:Flora of Northwest Argentina Category:Flora of Bolivia Category:Flora of central Chile Category:Flora of northern Chile Category:Flora of Peru Category:Medicinal plants --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nicandra physalodes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicandra_physalodes) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicandra_physalodes?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.