Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera, commonly called ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a resilient Solanaceae shrub famed for …
Aden winter cherry (Withania adunensis)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Withania adunensis - Endemic Shrub of Socotra | Botanical Encyclopedia
Endemic to the isolated archipelago of Socotra in Yemen, Withania adunensis thrives in succulent shrublands and drought-deciduous woodlands. This resilient species occupies elevations ranging from sea level up to 650 meters. It plays a minor but significant role in the local island ecosystem by participating in dry-season vegetation cover.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ asterids
- ∟ order Solanales
- ∟ family Solanaceae
- ∟ subfamily Solanoideae
- ∟ tribe Physaleae
- ∟ genus Withania (ashwagandha)
- ∟ species Withania adunensis (Aden winter cherry)
Morphology
This plant exhibits a typical shrubby habit, closely resembling its relative Withania riebeckii. It features robust, woody branches covered in fine, greyish hairs that help reduce water loss in arid environments. The leaves are simple, entire, and alternate, adapted to withstand prolonged dry seasons.
Its small, greenish-yellow flowers are typically clustered in leaf axils. These develop into globose berries enclosed in a persistent, inflated calyx, which is a characteristic feature of the genus Withania.
Interesting facts
Socotra is home to many unique species, and this plant is one of its narrow endemics. It shares close morphologic similarities with Withania riebeckii, which also inhabits the island. The species is currently classified under the IUCN Red List as Least Concern, despite its restricted global range.
Geography of distribution
- Yemen
Sources
- POWO (2026): Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- IUCN Red List: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
See also
Shrubby winter cherry
Withania frutescens
A heavily branched Mediterranean evergreen shrub featuring tortuous woody stems, heart-shaped leaves, and green-to-red berries …
Indian rennet
Withania coagulans
A small gray-white shrub native to South Asia and the Middle East, renowned for its …
Orobal
Withania aristata
An endemic evergreen shrub of the Canary Islands and North Africa, notable for its yellowish-green …