Withania somnifera aka Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera has two common names: ashwagandha and Indian ginseng. It is part of Solanaceae, the nightshade family. Its native range spans southern Europe, Africa, and much of Asia. Kew places its eastern limit in central China and Myanmar. It grows in open ground, stony sites, and disturbed soil. Wild plants also grow by roads and in open woodland.

This shrub stays green and grows upright or along the ground. It reaches about 2–3.3 feet [0.6–1 metre] in height. Some plants reach 6.6 feet [2 metres]. It grows fast and lives for several years in warm climates. Where winters are cold, gardeners grow it as an annual. Fine hairs give its green or brown stems a grey cast. Its green leaves are simple, with one blade each. They grow in an alternate pattern, taking turns along the stem. Their shape ranges from egg-shaped to oblong. Their edges are smooth or wavy. The upper faces have few hairs; the lower faces are hairy. The leaves have a strong smell compared to horse sweat. The roots have a smell compared to green tomatoes.

Small, pale green flowers grow on short stalks at leaf nodes. North Carolina State lists bloom from spring through autumn. The plant can flower and fruit in its first year. It can pollinate itself. Bees also pollinate its flowers. Each round berry starts green, then turns orange or red. A green calyx wraps the fruit like a small lantern. This cover shrinks as the berry ripens and shows its colour. The bright fruits add interest in winter. Bees, butterflies, and birds visit the plant.

Give it a warm, sheltered site with soil that drains well. Full sun is the clearest choice across the sources. Useful Tropical Plants says it can also grow in light shade. It suits sandy or loamy soil with a moderate nutrient level. It favours dry, stony ground and dislikes soil that stays wet. Let the soil dry before you water again. North Carolina State lists USDA zones 8–12. Other sources stress that it cannot survive frost. In cooler regions, grow it as an annual or bring pots indoors. It suits pots, borders, rock gardens, and gardens for pollinators. Stem rot and root rot can affect it.

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Sources describe the roots as medicine, not as ordinary food. The leaves repel insects; the fruits can replace soap. PFAF reports that seeds can curdle plant milks. Sources disagree about eating the fruit. North Carolina State mentions eating it after removing the seeds. The same page calls the berries poisonous. It also warns against eating them. Other sources also state that eating the plant is toxic. Reported risks include dependence. It may also reduce the effects of immunosuppressant drugs. PFAF warns against taking it with barbiturate sleeping tablets.