Chinese Lantern Seeds (Physalis alkekengi). The old scientific name for this plant was Physalis franchetti. It is now officially Physalis alkekengi. We continue to list Chinese Lantern under both names for convenience. Bushy 60 cm (24″) plants are filled with orange lantern shaped pods which are as attractive in the garden as they are in dried bouquets. Pods form during August and September. Very unusual but attractive plant.