Riebeck's winter cherry (Withania riebeckii)

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Withania riebeckii - Endemic Flora of the Socotra Archipelago

Thriving in the dry, windswept landscapes of the Socotra Archipelago, Withania riebeckii showcases remarkable resilience to extreme island environments.

This drought-resistant species is endemic to the islands of Socotra and Samhah in Yemen. It populates succulent shrublands and dry deciduous woodlands across a wide elevational range.

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 riebeckii (Riebeck's winter cherry)

Morphology

This species grows as a hardy woody shrub, exhibiting physical adaptations tailored to survive prolonged dry seasons. Its branches are sturdy and support small, drought-tolerant leaves that minimize water loss.

It produces small, inconspicuous flowers typical of the genus Withania. These blossoms eventually develop into small berries, which play a role in the local food web for native fauna.

Interesting facts

The plant is endemic to Socotra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known globally as the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean" due to its extraordinarily high density of unique species.

It occupies a broad altitudinal range, growing from sea level up to 800 meters elevation in rocky and sandy soils.

Geography of distribution

Yemen

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO)
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Riebeck's winter cherry (Withania riebeckii)