Orobal (Withania aristata)

Orobal del país

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Withania aristata: Canary Islands Endemic Shrub (Orobal)

Thriving in the dry ravines and thermophilic forests of the Canary Islands, the evergreen shrub Withania aristata has been recognized for centuries for its ecological significance and ethnobotanical applications. This resilient species, commonly known as orobal, is also native to parts of North Africa.

Historically, naturalists such as Viera y Clavijo documented its usage in traditional remedies. The plant plays an essential role in the local ecosystems, supporting various avian populations that feed on its berries.

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 aristata (Orobal)

Morphology

This species develops as a robust shrub, reaching heights of up to 2 meters. The bark is characteristically rugose, with coloration ranging from green to brown or light gray. Its branches host leaves that can measure up to 14 cm in length.

Key morphological features include:

Leaves: Entire, ovate in shape, and often cuneate (wedge-shaped) at the base.
Flowers: Borne in axillary clusters, exhibiting a yellowish-green corolla. The campanulate calyx has five teeth ending in awns.
Fruit: A globose berry that becomes enveloped by the calyx, which dilates and expands significantly as the fruit matures.

Applications

The ethnobotanical history of this species is rich, particularly in the Canary Islands where it is regarded as a valuable medicinal plant. Traditional applications utilize almost all parts of the shrub, except for the roots.

Urinary Disorders: Infusions and decoctions of the berries have historically been used to alleviate water retention and aid in treating urinary conditions.
External Remedies: Preparations from the leaves are traditionally applied to treat skin scars and manage symptoms of rheumatism.
Digestive Health: The plant has been employed as a traditional remedy for constipation.

Interesting facts

Local birds, particularly the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), feed on the ripe berries of the shrub with great pleasure, contributing to seed dispersal. Additionally, historical texts describe the creation of a medicinal wine by fermenting four parts of grape must with one part of these berries.

Geography of distribution

Canary Islands
Morocco
Algeria

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO)
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
World Flora Online (WFO)
Bramwell, D. & Bramwell, Z. (2001). Flores Silvestres de las Islas Canarias

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Orobal (Withania aristata)