Cut
Flower
of the month
chinese lanterns
(printable
PDF)
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BOTANICAL NAME
Physalis alkekengi
(FY-sa-lis al-ke-KEN-jee)
COMMON NAMES
Chinese lantern, Japanese
lantern,
Winter cherry, Bladder cherry
DESCRIPTION
Chinese lanterns are
notable for their pendulous, bladderlike, orange calyxes—the
“lanterns.” The calyxes, which hang from leafy, lightly haired
main stems, have a thin, paperlike texture and enclose
red-orange (when ripe) berries.
COLORS
Chinese lanterns are green
at first, then yellow and finally orange to red-orange as they
mature. (The color develops as the berries inside the calyxes
ripen.)
VASE LIFE
When given proper care,
Chinese lanterns can last for five to 10 days or longer as fresh
flowers, but because they dry beautifully in a fresh-appearing
state, consumers often perceive them as lasting for months.
AVAILABILITY
These distinctive
botanicals are available from July through December, but peak
production occurs in September, October and November. Early
crops usually have green calyxes.
VASE-LIFE EXTENDERS
PROCESSING
Immediately upon their
arrival, remove Chinese lanterns from the shipping boxes, and
check flower quality (see “Purchasing Checklist”). Next,
remove any leaves that would be under water in the storage
containers, and recut the stems with a sharp knife or pruner,
removing at least 1 inch of stem. Immediately after cutting, dip
or place the stem ends into a hydration solution, then place
them into clean, disinfected containers partially filled with
warm (100 F to 110 F), properly proportioned flower-food
solution.
REFRIGERATION/STORAGE After processing, place
Chinese lanterns into a floral cooler at 34 F to 38 F, and allow
the stems to hydrate for at least two hours before using or
selling them. These botanicals also can be held at room
temperature.
CARE EXTRA
Recut stems, wash containers and change flower-food solution
every other day to prevent bacteria buildup. Stems can become
slimy quickly.
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fun facts |
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WHAT’S IN A NAME
The botanical name Physalis comes from the Greek word
“physa,” meaning “bladder,” in reference to the puffy
calyxes. The specific epithet “alkekengi” is derived
from Al-Kakendi, who was an Arab physician and
pharmaceutical authority to the Eastern Caliphate (western
central Asia during the European Dark Ages).
FAMILY MATTERS
Chinese lanterns are
members of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. Close
relatives include Petunia; jessamine; tomato and
tomatillo; bell pepper, chili pepper and cayenne pepper;
eggplant, potato and Jerusalem cherry; tobacco; and thorn
apple and jimson weed.
HOME SWEET HOME
Chinese lanterns are
native to an expansive region from southern Europe through
Asia, including Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iraq, Iran,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Korea and Japan.
HEALING PROPERTIES
Throughout history, herbalists have recommended P.
alkekengi berries for the treatment of fevers,
arthritis, rheumatism, gout and urinary disorders. The
berries are still used today as a homeopathic remedy for
headaches, dizziness, stiff limbs and cramps, fevers, and
urinary and respiratory disorders. |
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purchasing
checklist |
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Chinese lanterns are usually sold in five-stem bunches.
Packaging should be somewhat loose, to minimize damage
and rot.
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Look for “lanterns” that are puffed out and undamaged.
(These botanicals are extremely delicate and damage
easily, so choose bunches that have the fewest damaged
calyxes.)
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Avoid bunches that have spots on the calyxes or
leaves.Make sure stems are clean and nonslimy.
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design tips |
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Chinese lanterns are
interesting botanicals, especially suited for masculine
and fall designs.
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These unusual botanicals dry beautifully and naturally.
Keep the stems in clean flower-food solution until the
calyxes (“lanterns”) are dried.
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For an interesting look, split some calyxes into three
or more sections while they are fresh. Then, as they
dry, the calyxes will curl outward, exposing the berries
inside.
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Some information provided by:
Botanica, by R.G. Turner
Jr. and Ernie Wasson
Cut Flowers, by C. Gelein
Dictionary of Plant Names, by Allen J. Coombes
Firefly Dictionary of Plant Names, The: Common & Botanical,
by Harold Bagust
Floral Artists’ Guide, The: A Reference to Cut Flowers and
Foliages, by Pat Diehl Scace
Florists’ Review
Hortus Third, by Liberty Hyde Bailey and Ethel Zoe Bailey
Stearn’s Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners by William
T. Stearn
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