Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Thursday - September 06, 2007

From: Vancleave, MS
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification, Chinese Lantern
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a plant growing along my fenceline that I am unsure of what it is. Some ppl have said it is a rare Chinese Lantern plant. I looked that up and it doesn't match. The plant right now sits about 2 ft tall, has broad leaves, a thick stalky stem, little yellow bowl-shape flowers on the top of the leave clusters and then at the split of the stems it has a green air filled like paper-lantern looking thing hanging from it. I live in Vancleave, MS and was wondering if you might know what this plant is. Thank you for your time.

ANSWER:

Your plant doesen't sound like the Asian native Physalis alkekengi, nor does it sound like the North American native Quincula lobata (Chinese lantern). It does sound intriguing, however, and Mr. Smarty Plants would be happy to try to identify it if you would send us some photos.

Here are instructions for submitting photographs for identification:

1. Tell us where and when you found the plant and describe the site where it occurred.

2. Take several images including details of leaves, stems, flowers, fruit, and the overall plant.

3. Save images in JPEG format, not more than 640 x 480 pixels in size, with resolution set at 300 pixels per inch.

4. Send email with images attached to id@smartyplants.org. Put Plant Identification Request in the subject line of your email.