Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera, commonly called ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a resilient Solanaceae shrub famed for …
Chinese withania (Withania sinica)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Withania sinica - Native Chinese Nightshade Species
Thriving in the drier mountainous terrains of northern China, Withania sinica stands as a distinct nightshade species adapted to temperate climates.
It occurs naturally in the provinces of Hebei and Shanxi. The plant represents an important component of the local montane flora.
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 sinica (Chinese withania)
Morphology
Withania sinica grows as a perennial herb or small subshrub with woody bases. The stems are covered in fine, simple hairs, bearing alternate, ovate to lanceolate leaves with prominent venation.
Its flowers arise in axillary clusters, displaying a small, campanulate calyx and a pale green or yellow corolla. The resulting fruit is a globose berry enveloped by the persistent, slightly inflated calyx.
Applications
This species is primarily studied for its phylogenetic relationships within the Solanaceae family and for its chemical constituents. It has no major commercial applications and is not used in mainstream agriculture or horticulture.
Interesting facts
The botanical name sinica derives from the Latin term for China, referencing its native distribution range in the northern parts of the country. This distinguishes it from other species in the genus that are native to Africa or the Mediterranean.
Its taxonomic placement was clarified by Armando Hunziker, a leading authority on the nightshade family who conducted extensive research on the genus Withania.
Geography of distribution
- China
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Flora of China
Technical Information
Taxon Synonyms: Physaliastrum sinicum
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 …