How to identify Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha, also known as Poison gooseberry, Rennet
Ashwagandha can be identified as a diminutive shrub, generally achieving a height of 3 feet (approximately 90 cm) with a similar width. Its branches tend to be densely covered with elliptical, dull green leaves that can reach lengths of up to 5 inches (12.7 cm). Tiny, bell-shaped flowers which are greenish-yellow in color, speckle the plant, often hidden amongst the foliage. The spherical red berries which follow flowering have a diameter of about 0.2 inches (5 mm) and contain yellow seeds. Ashwagandha's overall morphology is suited to ground-covering growth patterns.
Lifespan: Annual, Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Bell-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers at leaf nodes; less than 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter.
Spherical red berries, initially green turning to orange/red, enclosed in lantern-like pods.
Simple, ovate leaves with tiny hairs on underside, giving a gray sheen; 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length.
Erect stem covered in tiny hairs, 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter; branching pattern with alternate branches.
Diminutive shrub, 3 feet tall and wide, suitable for ground-covering growth with densely covered branches.
The leaves of ashwagandha are simple and ovate, displaying entire, sometimes wavy margins. They are nearly hairless on the upper side, while the underside is densely hairy. The leaves feature a central vein with sides slightly folding towards the center. A downy covering of tiny hairs gives the leaves a distinct gray sheen. Typically, these leaves have a unique smell reminiscent of horse sweat. Each leaf measures approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length.
The flowers of ashwagandha are small and inconspicuous, appearing at the leaf nodes on short stalks. They are pale green and held in an olive green calyx. The blooms are typically less than 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter. These flowers lack a prominent scent and form modest clusters. They bloom primarily in the summer and the calyx persists around the berry after the flowers fall away, aiding in identification.
The stem of ashwagandha is erect and covered with tiny hairs, giving it a distinctive gray sheen. Typically, the stem is thick and sturdy, averaging about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. It exhibits a branching pattern where branches emerge alternately. The stem's texture is somewhat rough due to the fine hairs, enhancing its unique appearance and helping in moisture retention. These characteristics make the stem a key feature for identifying ashwagandha.
The fruit of ashwagandha is a distinctive, spherical berry that initially presents a vibrant green hue, transitioning to an orange/red color upon maturation. These hairless berries are ensconced within lantern-like pods and harbor a pea-like consistency and shade when ripe. Encircled by a clayx, which desiccates and shrivels over time, the ripe red berries eventually become exposed. With a striking visual transformation, these fruits are visually indicative of ashwagandha's unique ripening process.
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Scientific Classification of Ashwagandha
