Physalis viscosa, also known as the sticky groundcherry or sticky husk tomato, has several synonyms that are commonly used. One of the most popular is the wild tomatillo, due to its similarity in appearance and taste to the edible tomatillo commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Other synonyms include the hairy groundcherry, due to the fine hairs that cover the plant's leaves and stems, and the Florida groundcherry, as it is commonly found in the southeastern United States. Despite its many names, Physalis viscosa is easily recognizable by its sticky, translucent fruit enclosed in a papery husk.