Japanese-lantern

It is easily identifiable by the large, bright orange to red papery calyx covering over its fruit, which resembles paper lanterns. It is a perennial herbaceous plant growing to 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall, with spirally arranged leaves 6–12 cm (2+1⁄2–4+1⁄2 in) long and 4–9 cm (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 in) broad. The flowers are white, with a five-lobed corolla 10–15 mm (3⁄8–5⁄8 in) across, with an inflated basal calyx which matures into the papery orange fruit covering, 4–5 cm (1+1⁄2–2 in) long and broad. And it has one variety, Alkekengi officinarum var. franchetii. Research has shown Calliphysalis carpenteri (formerly classified as Physalis carpenteri) to be among the most closely related species to Physalis alkekengi.

The dried fruit is called the golden flower in the Unani system of medicine, and used as a diuretic, antiseptic, liver corrective, and sedative. In Chinese medicine, Alkekengi is used to treat such conditions as abscesses, coughs, fevers, and sore throat. The extinct Dacian language has left few traces, but in De Materia Medica by Pedanius Dioscorides, a plant called Strychnos alikakabos (Στρύχνος άλικακάβος) is discussed, which was called kykolis (or cycolis) by the Dacians. Some have considered this plant to be Alkekengi officinarum, but the name more likely refers to ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

It is a popular ornamental plant, widely cultivated in temperate regions of the world, and very hardy to below −20 °C (−4 °F). It can be invasive with its wide-spreading root system sending up new shoots some distance from where it was originally planted. In various places around the world, it has escaped from cultivation. In the United Kingdom it has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Physalis alkekengi has been used for a wide range of purposes in traditional medicine for around two millennia. It was used, purportedly to heal fever, induce mental serenity, and assist in childbirth, according to ancient Chinese books including the Erya and Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. Its usage in reducing heat, boosting energy, and aiding in diuresis was also mentioned in Li Shizhen's Ming dynasty Compendium of Materia Medica. The plant's juice was thought to be useful in treating jaundice. The English herbalist John Gerard describes a plant known as red winter cherries in his late 16th-century herbal, which may refers to Alkekengi officinarum. He says that the plant is also called red nightshade and alkakengie in English. It is kept in gardens and the berries are used as traditional medicine.