Physalis alkekengi var franchetii also known as cape gooseberry is a highly unusual and exotic looking plant that provides garden interest throughout the seasons in midsummer the plant is covered in small creamy45white flowers that contrast with the oval green foliage later in the year they become full of berries that are inside bright red45orange papery calyces that look like chinese lanterns if left on the plant over winter the berries which have been hidden inside become visible