Cape gooseberry, noun phrase
- Origin:
- EnglishShow more Etymology dubious: either Cape + English gooseberry; or English cape cloak, referring to the papery sheath round the berry.
The fruit of the naturalized plant Physalis peruviana of the Solanaceae, a smooth, yellow berry enclosed in a papery sheath; the plant itself; Appel-der-liefde. Also attributive.
1821 E.S. Pigot Journal. 75Kate came in with her Apron full of Cape Gooseberries.
1994 L. Davidson in D. McCormack Perm Bk of ‘Test the Team’ 167The plant was introduced into South Africa from South America via Holland before 1800. ‘Cape’ refers to the papery covering round the berry.
The fruit of the naturalized plant Physalis peruviana of the Solanaceae, a smooth, yellow berry enclosed in a papery sheath; the plant itself; Appel-der-liefde. Also attributive.

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