cape gooseberry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Botanical/Gardening
Quick answer
What does “cape gooseberry” mean?
A small edible orange-yellow fruit enclosed in a papery husk, from a plant in the nightshade family, also known as physalis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small edible orange-yellow fruit enclosed in a papery husk, from a plant in the nightshade family, also known as physalis.
The plant (Physalis peruviana) producing these fruits, native to South America but cultivated in warm regions worldwide.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'cape gooseberry' is the standard term in supermarkets and gardening contexts. In the US, the term is recognized but less common than 'goldenberry' or 'Peruvian groundcherry'.
Connotations
In British usage, it may sound slightly old-fashioned or botanical. In American usage, it is often seen as an exotic or specialty fruit.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English; in US English, alternative names are often preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “cape gooseberry” in a Sentence
The chef garnished the cake with cape gooseberries.We grow cape gooseberries in the greenhouse.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of specialty food import/export, gourmet product marketing.
Academic
Used in botanical texts, horticulture studies, and ethnobotany.
Everyday
Used when discussing fruit, recipes, or gardening.
Technical
Used in plant taxonomy, agronomy, and food science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cape gooseberry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape gooseberry”
- Misspelling as 'cape goosberry' (missing an 'e').
- Confusing it with a true gooseberry (genus Ribes).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are botanically different. True gooseberries belong to the genus Ribes, while cape gooseberries are Physalis peruviana, related to tomatoes and peppers.
No, the papery husk (calyx) is not typically eaten. It is peeled back to reveal the edible fruit inside.
The name originates from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, where the plant was cultivated and exported in the early 19th century.
The fruit is ripe when the husk turns dry and papery and the berry inside is a bright orange-yellow colour.
A small edible orange-yellow fruit enclosed in a papery husk, from a plant in the nightshade family, also known as physalis.
Cape gooseberry is usually informal, botanical/gardening in register.
Cape gooseberry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp ˈɡʊzbəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp ˈɡuːsˌbɛri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOOSE wearing a CAPE, flying out of a papery HUSK, to remember it's a 'cape gooseberry' in a husk.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIGHT IN A LANTERN (the fruit is like a light enclosed in a papery lantern-like husk).
Practice
Quiz
What is a common alternative name for the cape gooseberry in the United States?