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Withania somnifera
  • Ashwagandha

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Withania genus in the family Solanaceae.

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Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 9
    Zone 9
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Withania somnifera has 0 edible uses listed
Withania somnifera has 0 material uses listed
Withania somnifera has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The plant is toxic if eaten[1].

Edible uses

Notes

The seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses[2][3].

Unknown part

Curdling agent

Material uses

The fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[4][5]. The leaves are an insect repellent[4].

Unknown part

Repellent
Soap

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Ashwagandha is one of the most widespread tranquillisers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China[1]. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejuvenative effect on the body, and is used to improve vitality and aid recovery after chronic illness[1][6]. The plant is little known in the West[5].

The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic[4][5][1][3]. Internally, it is used to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum difficulties[5]. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis etc[1]. Externally it has been applied as a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts[5][3]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[1]. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is toxic[K]. The fruit is diuretic[3].

The seed is diuretic and hypnotic[3].

Unknown part

Abortifacient
Adaptogen
Antibiotic
Aphrodisiac
Astringent
Deobstruent
Diuretic
Narcotic
Sedative
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. There is usually a high germination rate within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frost. Consider giving the plants some protection, such as a cloche, until they are established and growing away well.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Withania somnifera. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

A fairly easily grown plant, it requires a warm sheltered position in full sun and a well-drained moderately fertile soil[169, K]. Prefers a dry stony soil[1]. This species is not hardy in temperate climates but it can be grown as an annual, flowering and fruiting in its first year from seed[4].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Withania somnifera. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Withania somnifera.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Withania somnifera
Genus
Withania
Family
Solanaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3]
Medicinal uses
[1][6][5][4][3]
Material uses & Functions
[4][5]
Botanic
[7]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
9
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    1 x 0.5 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.7 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.53.6 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Emboden. W. Narcotic Plants Studio Vista ISBN 0-289-70864-8 (1979-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    7. ? [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)

    "image:Aswagandhaherb11.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Withania_somnifera&oldid=81795"
    Facts about "Withania somnifera"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familySolanaceae +
    Belongs to genusWithania +
    Has binomial nameWithania somnifera +
    Has common nameAshwagandha +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +
    Has edible useCurdling agent +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone9 +
    Has imageAswagandhaherb11.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useRepellent + and Soap +
    Has mature height1 +
    Has mature width0.5 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAbortifacient +, Adaptogen +, Antibiotic +, Aphrodisiac +, Astringent +, Deobstruent +, Diuretic +, Narcotic +, Sedative + and Tonic +
    Has primary imageAswagandhaherb11.jpg +
    Has search namewithania somnifera + and ashwagandha +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameWithania somnifera +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
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