- Root Architecture: Long, straight, fleshy, cylindrical taproots measuring 1–2 cm thick and 20–30 cm long. The outer root bark is light brown to cream-colored with a dense, starchy, white interior and a distinct horse-like earthy aroma.
- Stems & Branching: Central erect stem with round branches covered in fine, star-shaped (stellate), whitish-grey downy hairs.
- Foliage: Simple, alternate, broadly ovate to oblong leaves (5–12 cm long) with smooth margins, a dull green upper surface, and light greyish-pubescent undersides.
- Inflorescence & Flowers: Inconspicuous, small, greenish-yellow, bell-shaped (campanulate) bisexual flowers borne in axillary clusters of 4 to 6 blossoms.
- Fruit & Seeds: Smooth, globose, bright orange-red berries (6–8 mm across) completely encased inside an inflated, papery, lantern-like calyx. Each berry contains numerous tiny, flat, kidney-shaped yellow seeds.
Perennial Woody Subshrub / Evergreen Herbaceous Bush
Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng / अश्वगंधा (Ashwagandha))
Withania somnifera
Also Known as: अश्वगंधा (Ashwagandha), असगंध (Asgandh), बाजीगंधा (Bajigandha), Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry
Withania somnifera, universally celebrated as Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng, is a perennial, drought-tolerant subshrub belonging to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. Indigenous to the dry, subtropical regions of India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, Ashwagandha holds the highest rank among Ayurvedic Rasayana (rejuvenative) herbs. The name 'Ashwagandha' translates in Sanskrit to 'smell of a horse', describing both the characteristic earthy aroma of its potent roots and its traditional reputation for imparting vital physical vigor, endurance, and neurological resilience. Packed with bioactive withanolides, it is globally recognized as a premier adaptogen that helps the body modulate stress, balance cortisol, and support restful sleep.
Botanical Family
Solanaceae
Native Region
Indian Subcontinent (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab), Middle East, Northern Africa
Growth Habit
Perennial Woody Subshrub / Evergreen Herbaceous Bush
Mature Height
0.5 – 1.5 meters (1.5 – 5 ft)
Sunlight
Full Direct Sun (6+ hours daily)
Water Needs
Low (Xerophytic; extremely sensitive to root rot from overwatering)
Soil Dynamics
Light, well-draining sandy loam to red loamy soil; pH 7.5 – 8.5 (Alkaline tolerant)
Propagation
Seeds (Direct broadcasting or line sowing in well-prepared beds)
