Withania (Withania somnifera)
Description
Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry, is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. Although commonly used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that it is effective for treating any ailment. This species is a short, tender perennial shrub growing 35-75 cm (14-30 in) tall. Tomentose branches extend radially from a central stem. Leaves are dull green, elliptic, usually up to 10-12 cm (4 to 5 in) long. The flowers are small, green and bell-shaped. The ripe fruit is orange-red.
Taxonomic tree
-
Domain: Eukarya
-
-
Kingdom: Plantae
-
-
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
-
-
Class: Magnoliopsida
-
-
Order: Solanales
-
-
Family: Solanaceae
-
-
Genus: Withania
-
-
-
-
-
-
