Southern Boxthorn

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Southern Boxthorn

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Lycium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several distinct regions in the Mediterranean basin. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is noted in the Balearic Islands, Portugal, and Spain. Its range also extends significantly into Northern Africa. Within this African region, the species can be found growing in both Algeria and Morocco. Consequently, its habitat spans a diverse geographical area encompassing both European and African territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lycium intricatum is characterized by its adaptation to low-altitude environments, occupying an elevational range that spans from 0 m to a maximum of 500 m AMSL. Within these coastal or lowland habitats, the plant has evolved specific survival strategies to navigate its biological environment, notably through the implementation of active defense mechanisms. These defensive traits allow the species to persist against herbivory and environmental stressors common to its specific altitudinal niche.

Defense :

yes

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lycium intricatum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and maintain a stable presence in its ecological niche. In terms of its structural growth habits, the species exhibits a complex life form categorization; it can be classified as a phanerophyte due to its woody stem structure, yet it also demonstrates characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, reflecting its specific height and branching patterns. This dual classification highlights its ability to maintain persistent, visible shoot systems that contribute to its long-term survival and adaptation within its environment.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lycium intricatum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. This plant exhibits a self-supporting climbing habit, functioning as a liana or vine that can maintain its own structure. In terms of physical dimensions, the plant height typically ranges from a minimum of 0.3 meters to a maximum of 2 meters.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lycium intricatum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing standard carbon fixation processes to support its metabolic needs. The plant exhibits specialized leaf morphology designed for water retention, featuring succulent leaves that aid in moisture storage. These leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem and possess an ovate form. In terms of dimensions, the leaf length typically ranges from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 2.5 cm, while the leaf thickness is quite fine, fluctuating between a minimum of 0.1 mm and a maximum of 0.3 mm.

Leaf arrangement :

alternate

Leaf form :

ovate

Leaf length max:

2.5 cm

Leaf length min:

0.5 cm

Leaf thickness max:

0.3 mm

Leaf thickness min:

0.1 mm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Succulence :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lycium intricatum is characterized by a flowering period that typically begins in January and extends through June, though the timing can be variable. During this cycle, the plant produces distinct violet flowers that facilitate pollination. Following fertilization, the plant develops fleshy, orange-colored fruits classified as berries. These berries are indehiscent and range in length from a minimum of 0.3 cm to a maximum of 0.7 cm. Within these fruits, the seeds are produced with a consistent volume of approximately 4.2 mm³, which serves as the mean, minimum, and maximum volume for the species.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flower colour :

violet

Flowering time :

Jan

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruit colour :

orange

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit length max:

0.7 cm

Fruit length min:

0.3 cm

Fruit type :

berry

Seed volume max:

4.2 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lycium intricatum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Gallic acid, TRANS-CINNAMIC ACID, ferulic acid, gentisic acid.

Flavonoids

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

TRANS-CINNAMIC ACID

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

ferulic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

gentisic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Medicinal Uses

Lycium intricatum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Most Reported Uses