Withania aristata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Physalis aristata
• Atropa aristata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Withania aristata, possesses a specific and limited natural range. Its documented geographical distribution is primarily concentrated within the Macaronesia region. Specifically, this species is found inhabiting the Canary Islands. This localized occurrence highlights its unique ecological niche within the Atlantic archipelago. Consequently, the plant represents a distinct element of the island's native botanical landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Withania aristata is characterized by its adaptability to various lowland and mid-altitude landscapes, typically flourishing within a specific altitudinal gradient. This species is primarily found inhabiting environments ranging from sea level up to an elevation of 600 m AMSL. Within this elevational range, which spans from 0 m AMSL to a maximum of 600 m AMSL, the plant occupies diverse ecological niches, often thriving in open or semi-shaded habitats where soil conditions and moisture levels support its growth patterns. Its distribution within these low-to-mid elevations suggests a preference for specific climatic regimes and terrain types found within these altitudinal boundaries.

Elevational range max:

600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Withania aristata is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, meaning it maintains its biological functions and lives for more than two years, often persisting through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its lifespan, the plant undergoes a continuous cycle of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, typically thriving in specific environmental niches that allow it to establish long-term root systems. As a perennial, it exhibits the ability to regrow from its existing structure after periods of dormancy, contributing to its stability within its ecosystem. Its life cycle is marked by the development of woody or semi-woody stems that support the production of flowers and subsequent fruit, ensuring the continuation of the species through seed dispersal over many successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Withania aristata is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub or subshrub. This plant exhibits a woody nature, providing a sturdy structural framework for its development. In terms of stature, it is a relatively large species, with a plant height that typically ranges from a minimum of 2 meters to a maximum of 4 meters.

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

4 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological development of the foliage in Withania aristata is characterized by distinct morphological dimensions and structural forms that facilitate its metabolic processes. The leaves exhibit an ovate form, providing a specialized surface area for light interception and gas exchange. In terms of dimension, the leaf length varies significantly, ranging from a minimum of 6 cm to a maximum of 10 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width shows a proportional range, measuring at least 5 cm and reaching a maximum of 8 cm. These specific measurements in length and width contribute to the overall leaf architecture, supporting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and physiological vigor.

Leaf form :

ovate

Leaf length max:

10 cm

Leaf length min:

6 cm

Leaf width max:

8 cm

Leaf width min:

5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Withania aristata is characterized by a dioecious sexual reproduction system. The flowering process is highly variable throughout the year, with the flowering period typically starting in November and concluding in April. The plant produces flowers that are green in colour. Following fertilization, the plant develops fleshy fruit in the form of a berry, which is orange in colour. These berries range in width from a minimum of 0.8 cm to a maximum of 1 cm. The fruits are indehiscent, meaning they do not split open at maturity to release their contents. Contained within the fruit are seeds with a consistent volume of 23 mm³, representing both the minimum and maximum values as well as the mean seed volume.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flower colour :

green

Flowering time :

Nov

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit colour :

orange

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit type :

berry

Fruit width max:

1 cm

Fruit width min:

0.8 cm

Reproduction sexual :

dioecious

Seed volume max:

23 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Withania aristata has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cichoric Acid, Epicatechin, Withaferin A, Withanolides, Witharistatin.

Cichoric Acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Epicatechin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Withaferin A

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Withanolides

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Witharistatin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

apigenin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

caffeic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

luteolin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

quercetin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Withania aristata has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Diuretic.

Antibacterial

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antifungal

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Diuretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Withania aristata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include diuretic.

Diuretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology