Chinese Lantern

Latin name: physalis alkekengi
Common names: Love in a Cage, Japanese Lantern, Winter Cherry, Bladder Cherry, Strawberry Tomato, Jews' Cherry
Type of plant: herbaceous perennial
Ruler: Venus
Magickal Uses: Love, passion for life, amiability, endurance and vitality, protection

The herbaceous perennial plant physalis alkekengi – better known as Chinese lantern flowers - is a member of the Nightshade family. The plant is related to physalis peruviana, or the cape gooseberry. Although similar in structure, Chinese lanterns are much larger, and their outer covering is bright orange or red in appearance.

These perennial flowers are indigenous to southeastern Europe and Japan, and grow their best in full sunlight and rich soil. Throughout their period of growth, the Chinese lantern flower will begin as a delicate, five-lobed corolla which will eventually become a faintly green husk that houses a small berry. Over time, the flower will turn an orange or red hue, and will become papery in its texture.

The fruit of Chinese lanterns, which has twice the vitamin C of a lemon, is (in small quantities) quite edible. The flavor of the fruit is considered refreshing and mild, with a sweeter taste than its relative, the tomatillo.and can be turned into sweet, exotic jellies, or simply eaten whole – some even like to eat them dipped in chocolate. Sometimes, however, they can be quite sour. The rest of the plant, especially the leaves and unripe berries, is poisonous and can even be fatal if eaten, containing solanine, the same chemical that makes green potatoes and tomato leaves poisonous.

Although the leaves and unripened berries of this plant are considered poisonous, many people still believe that in small doses they may have potent medicinal properties. These flowers are sometimes used to treat such things as facial paralysis, respiratory ailments, bed-wetting, fevers and even delayed labor.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the calyx and fruits are used against toxic heat, for sore throats, and for thick coughs; they are also pounded into a paste that is spread on eczema. A homeopathic remedy made from the fruit is used in kidney and bladder disease. In Europe, the ripe berries are macerated in wine or vodka to make an extract that is taken for bladder infections. Western allopathic medicine is investigating the anti-tumor capabilities of this plant.

Chinese lantern flowers are frequently grown for their novel appearance, being especially good to see on gloomy fall days. However, these flowers are also grown for a vast array of more useful tasks. They make wonderful cut or dried flowers as these unique blossoms keep their color for long periods of time when dried. Harvest the lanterns for drying when the leaves begin to fade.

Many people like to use the flowers for arts and crafts, They are often woven into wreaths or dried bouquets; they may be pressed into scrap books, jewelry or bookmarks; the intricate dried veins of the husk may also be gently dipped into glue or shellac to harden them, then they may be painted.

Although Chinese lantern flowers may not have an especially large amount of symbolism attached to them, what they do have has made them into an endearing and joyful emblem of warmth. Given that these flowers enfold and defend the small, delicate fruit buried within their husks, they may be the perfect symbol for protection. Their fiery orange red hue denotes a passion for life, amiability, endurance and vitality.

As a gift, these flowers are more commonly given dried or in silk forms. They are sometimes used in wedding bouquets or to decorate ceremonies as an alternative to the more common blossoms.