Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera, commonly called ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a resilient Solanaceae shrub famed for …
Coronopus Withania (Withania coronopus)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Withania coronopus: Profile, Ecology, and Botanical Overview
Found primarily in arid environments, Withania coronopus grows as a resilient wild perennial herb with unique survival adaptations. This species is recognized by its low-growing habit and specialized botanical features. It plays an ecological role in stabilizing soil in dry regions.
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 coronopus (Coronopus Withania)
Morphology
It features alternate leaves, often clustered on brachyblasts, with sinuate or deeply lobed margins that optimize transpiration in dry environments. The foliage usually exhibits fine pubescence, giving it a slightly grayish or ashen appearance.
It produces solitary or small axillary clusters of greenish-yellow flowers with strongly lobed calyces. The mature fruit consists of a moderate-sized berry, almost entirely protected by the accrescent calyx that expands after pollination.
Interesting facts
Field observations highlight notable features:
- Thermal resistance: The foliage tolerates extremely high temperatures without wilting.
- Root system: The roots extend deeply to capture moisture from low water tables.
Sources
- POWO (2026). Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- WFO (2026). World Flora Online.
- GBIF Secretariat (2026). 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 …