Nicandra Species, Apple of Peru, Shoofly Plant, Snake Tomato (Nicandra physalodes)

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RosinaBloom Waihi, New Zealand(Zone 1) 14h ago

May 19, 2026

Nicandra Species, Apple of Peru, Shoofly Plant, Snake Tomato
Nicandra physalodes

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williamapston 7h ago

May 19, 2026

Beautiful plant, I always think Nicandra is underrated in ornamental gardens. The lantern-like seed pods and those blue-purple flowers give it such a unique look, especially later in the season when everything else starts fading.
I’ve also heard a lot of gardeners mention how resilient it is once established, almost to the point of self-seeding a little too enthusiastically in some climates. The “Shoofly Plant” nickname is interesting to, older gardening books often mention it being grown near porches because people believed it helped discourage flies.

Do you find yours behaves more like a well-mannered annual or does it reseed everywhere? I could see it becoming a fun cottage-garden filler if managed carefully.

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