Scientific Name
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Synonyms
Physalis somnifera L.
Family
Solanaceae
Local Name
Aksan, Askand
Habit Habitat
A perennial low woody herb, up to 100 cm tall, found in sub-tropical zone.
Taxonomic Features
Leaves simple, hairy, elliptic-ovate or broadly ovate. Inflorescence axillary clusters. Flower actinomorphic, small,subsessile, greenish-yellow. Calyx becoming membranous. Corolla lobes triangular. Fruit a berry, globose,6-8 mm broad,red.Seed pear to kidney shaped, yellowish-brown.
Flowering Fruiting
May-December
Harvesting Time
July-March
Medicinal Value
Useful in digestive disorders, rheumatism, tuberculosis and insomnia. Locally taken as aphrodisiac tonic with milk or butter.
Parts Used
Root
Future Prospective
Conservation, Cultivation, Herbal Pharmacy, Allopathic Pharmacy.
Plant Images
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal