Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera, commonly called ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a resilient Solanaceae shrub famed for …
Nightshade-like winter cherry (Withania chamaesarachoides)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Withania chamaesarachoides - Miniature Wild Perennial of East Asia
Spreading low across the shaded forest floors of East Asia, Withania chamaesarachoides stands out for its dwarf growth habit and delicate white flowers. This species is predominantly found in mountain regions of China, Taiwan, and Japan.
It thrives in moist, organic-rich forest soils, often growing under dense shrubbery. The plant remains relatively inconspicuous until its bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring.
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 chamaesarachoides (Nightshade-like winter cherry)
Morphology
This wild herb possesses the following botanical characteristics:
- Growth Habit: Dwarf, decumbent or ascending, with stems reaching only 15 to 40 centimeters in height.
- Leaves: Broadly ovate, paired or solitary, with rounded bases and slightly wavy or entire margins.
- Flowers: Small, nodding, bell-shaped corolla of a pure white or cream color, with yellow-green spots near the throat.
- Fruit: A small, globose berry enclosed in a smooth, inflated, papery calyx.
Flowering season
May to July
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Oct
Name
Dec
Interesting facts
The scientific name chamaesarachoides refers to its resemblance to the genus Chamaesaracha, a group of low-growing wild plants native to North America.
Geography of distribution
- China
- Taiwan
- Japan
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
Technical Information
Taxon Synonyms: Physaliastrum chamaesarachoides, Archiphysalis chamaesarachoides
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 …