alkekengi

[In Fr. alkekenge; Sp. alkakengi, alkanquegi, alkanquengi; Port. alke kengio.] The specific name of the Common Winter Cherry, Physalis alkekengi. Though called cherry, it is really of the Nightshade order. The berries are acidulous and slightly bitter. The ancients considered them as detergent and aperient. The plant is a native of Southern Europe: the fruit is eaten in Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.