Poison Gooseberry (Withania somnifera)

Family Solanaceae

 Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry, is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family.

 Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. It is used as a herb in Ayurvedic medicine.

 The flowers are small and green, while the ripe fruit is orange-red and has milk-coagulating properties. 

 The plant's long, brown, tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes.

 The berries can be used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk in cheese-making. Traditional medicinal uses.

 In Ayurveda, the berries and leaves of W. somnifera are locally applied to tumors, tubercular glands, carbuncles, and ulcers.

 The roots of W. somnifera are used to prepare the herbal remedy ashwagandha, which has been traditionally used to treat various symptoms and conditions

Information from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera  


Identification by: Johan Baard http://www.ispot.org.za/node/158694