Gaultheria fragrantissima is a species of flowering plant native to southern and southeastern Asia. It is commonly known as fragrant wintergreen[3] or dhasingre.[1]
| Gaultheria fragrantissima | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Gaultheria |
| Species: | G. fragrantissima
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| Binomial name | |
| Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall.
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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Brossaea fragrantissima (Wall.) Kuntze | |
Description
editGaultheria fragrantissima is a shrub or small tree.[2] The flowering period of the plant extends from April to May.[4]
The form of the plant and the size and shape of its leaves can vary considerably based on its habitat. In forest understoreys and at forest margins it is typically a large shrub or small tree with large leaves. In drier and sunnier conditions, like exposed slopes and thickets, it is a small narrow-leaved shrub.[3]
Distribution and habitat
editGaultheria fragrantissima ranges from India and Sri Lanka through Nepal, Tibet, and the Himlalayas to south-central China, and to Vietnam, Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, and Bali.[2]
Gaultheria fragrantissima is native to montane tropical and subtropical forests from 1,375 to 2,650 metres elevation.[1] It can be found in a variety of conditions, including in the understorey of mature forests and at forest margins on humus-rich moist soils, as well as on drier and exposed slopes among other shrubs.[3]
Subspecies
editThree subspecies are recognized:[2]
- Gaultheria fragrantissima subsp. fragrantissima – India and Sri Lanka to south-central China, Myanmar, and Peninsular Malaysia. Synonyms include Gaultheria forrestii Diels, Gaultheria fragrans D.Don, Gaultheria hirsuta Gardner ex C.B.Clarke, Gaultheria leschenaultii DC., Gaultheria ovalifolia Wall., and Gaultheria rudis Stapf.[5]
- Gaultheria fragrantissima var. obovata S.Panda & Sanjappa – south Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
- Gaultheria fragrantissima subsp. punctata (Blume) Steenis – Sumatra, Java, and Bali. Gaultheria punctata Blume is a synonym.[6]
Uses
editAn essential oil is derived from the leaves of the plant. The aromatic oil is used in perfumery, as a hair oil, and medicinally. It is used topically to treat rheumatism, scabies, and neuralgia, and taken internally to treat hookworm.[3]
G. fragrantissima subsp. fragrantissima is used as a medicinal plant in Ayurveda. The plant is known as "Wel kapuru - වල් කපුරු" or "Wel kapuru - වෙල් කපුරු" by Sinhalese people.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b c Harvey-Brown, Y. 2022. Gaultheria fragrantissima. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T147635791A147635793. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T147635791A147635793.en. Accessed 20 March 2023.
- ^ a b c d Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall., Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 20 March 2023.
- ^ a b c d Gaultheria fragrantissima Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. Accessed 22 March 2023.
- ^ "Biodiversity of Sri Lanka: වල් කපුරු[Wal-Kapuru] (Gaultheria fragrantissima [Syn: Gaultheria leschenaultii])". 29 December 2013.
- ^ Gaultheria fragrantissima subsp. fragrantissima, Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 20 March 2023.
- ^ Gaultheria fragrantissima subsp. punctata (Blume) Steenis, Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ "Ayurvedic Plants of Sri Lanka: Plants Details".
External links
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