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GENERAL
Origin
:
arid
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
humid
Propagation :
direct sowing
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
none
Salinity/ppm :
high (5000 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
perennial, shrub
Height
:
1.5 m
Spread
:
1 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
pale green
Size
:
0.4 cm
Period
:
June - August
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
0.5 cm
Toxicity
:
poisonous
Withania somnifera has several common names such as Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry and, in
Arabic, sum al far. It is a perennial or better shrub that is distributed within India, Africa and the
entire Arabian peninsula. In Indian Ayurveda medicine, it is a popular remedy, and the name
means something similar to sweaty horse, based on the flavour of the roots. Sum al-far grows
up to a height of 150 cm and attains 1 metre in width. It is fast growing and develops a conical
dense crown. The deciduous foliage is green with oppositely arranged leaves. The leaves are 10
cm in size, and ovate. The bloom is very small, and whitish-green. The flowers appear in summer.
The fruits are roundish berries, 5 mm in size, with a bright-red colour. Propagation is by direct
sowing. Soil requirements are low, with the plant growing on sandy or silty soil. W. somnifera can
withstand temporary droughts, but also grows in moist soil. Irrigation is not required after esta-
blishment, but growth will be improved with some watering. Salinity should not be greater than
medium. Sum al far is not very hardy, which means that it will die back in strong winters. In Arri-
yadh, it can be found in the Wadi Hanifah lake area, where it grows next to the shore in sheltered
situations with some shade. For landscape design purposes, it can be recommended for situations
such as a coloniser in open country as groundcover and as a small hedge. However, with its fresh
dark green foliage, it will also be pleasing in sheltered private gardens and courtyards.
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Withania somnifera,
Solanaceae
Indian Ginseng,
Winter Cherry, sum al far