Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera, commonly called ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a resilient Solanaceae shrub famed for …
Chinese Withania (Withania sinensis)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Withania sinensis: Botanical Profile and Distribution in China
Hailing from the mountainous regions of central and western China, Withania sinensis stands as a notable herbaceous representative of the nightshade family.
This species, also classified under the genus Physaliastrum by some authorities, thrives in temperate forest understories and slopes. Its presence in the regional flora highlights the ecological diversity of the Solanaceae in East Asia.
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 sinensis (Chinese Withania)
Morphology
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches heights of 30 to 80 centimeters, featuring erect, branched stems covered with fine pubescence. The leaves are arranged alternately, showcasing an ovate to oblong-ovate shape with entire or slightly wavy margins.
Its solitary flowers emerge from the leaf axils, characterized by a campanulate, greenish-yellow corolla. During the fruiting stage, the calyx enlarges significantly, inflating to closely envelop the globose berry, a feature characteristic of closely related genera.
Interesting facts
The taxonomic history of this species reveals close affinities with the genus Physaliastrum, reflecting ongoing discussions among taxonomists regarding the boundaries of the genus Withania.
- Its inflated fruiting calyx serves as a protective barrier for the developing berry against herbivores.
- The species is predominantly found at altitudes ranging from 1100 to 1900 meters above sea level.
Geography of distribution
- China
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.
Technical Information
Taxon Synonyms: Physaliastrum sinense
See also
Shrubby winter cherry
Withania frutescens
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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 …