Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera, commonly called ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a resilient Solanaceae shrub famed for …
Pohl's withania (Withania pohliana)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Withania pohliana: Overview, Habitat, and Botanical Characteristics
Thriving in dry and rocky habitats, Withania pohliana remains a lesser-known wild species of the genus Withania. Its resilience in harsh environments highlights its adaptation to water-scarce soils. Botanists study this plant to understand the evolutionary diversity within its genus.
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 pohliana (Pohl's withania)
Morphology
It exhibits a primarily shrubby or subshrubby growth habit, with branched stems that may show varying degrees of pubescence depending on habitat conditions. The leaves are arranged alternately along the branches, with leaf blades of variable morphology, entire or slightly wavy margins, and well-defined petioles.
The small flowers, with shades ranging from pale green to yellow, develop in axillary positions. Their structure consists of a campanulate corolla and a persistent calyx that undergoes noticeable accrescent growth during fruiting, enclosing the mature berry in a protective membranous structure.
Interesting facts
Several curious aspects characterize this wild plant:
- Xerophilic adaptation: Its tissues are structured to minimize water loss through transpiration.
- Ecological role: It serves as a shelter and micro-habitat for small desert invertebrates.
Geography of distribution
- Brazil
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 …