Cape Gooseberry?

[spondoolix]

We grew this plant thinking that it was a tomato. It turned out to be something different.
The plant is now about 5 feet high and has a profusion of yellow flowers that develop into seed pods, that look like Chinese lanterns.
I'm tempted to think it may be a Cape Gooseberry, except for the fact that the seeds are tiny and they appear hard and inedible. Perhaps our cool UK climate will not allow them to ripen.
Has anyone any ideas? If it were a ripe Cape Gooseberry, how on earth are they eaten?

[AndFarr]

I believe it is called the Chinese Lantern Plant ( Physalis alkekengi ), also known as the Strawberry ground cherry.
Note that the unripe fruit is highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten. Keep away from kids and pets.
- Andy

[spondoolix]

Thank you for the warning. I'm not sure how we thought it might be edible.

[steve.ledger]

It is edible and is a cultivated plant in many countries.

Only the unripe fruit is toxic as Andy points out (in the same way that green potatoes are - same family: Solanaceae. Which also include Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant and Nighshade of course)

► Cape Goosberry

[spondoolix]

Thank you again for the clarification. We will wait to see if any ripen, though they would have to do that quickly before the cooler weather begins; and I don't think that is likely.

[LonK]

Perhaps a Hybrid?

[spondoolix]

Lonk,

What a metamorphosis!!

BTW I am still using TinySpell as recommended by you a few years ago. It is one of my most used programs.