Ochradenus baccatus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ochradenus baccatus | |
|---|---|
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| Fruits of Ochradenus baccatus | |
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| Ochradenus baccatus growing in central Qatar | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Resedaceae |
| Genus: | Ochradenus |
| Species: | O. baccatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Ochradenus baccatus Delile[1] | |
Ochradenus baccatus is a perennial shrub of the family Resedaceae, native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and into Iran and Pakistan. It is characterized by its green, leafless branches and distinctive yellow flowers and white berries. It is widespread in disturbed habitats and desert depressions, including roadsides and semi-natural areas.[2][3]
Ochradenus baccatus is a dioecious or occasionally monoecious shrub, typically 50–200 cm tall, with slender, photosynthetic green stems that lack true leaves. The small yellow flowers are sexually dimorphic. Female flowers produce white, sweet-tasting berries containing black seeds that are exposed upon fruit dehiscence. Flowering occurs primarily from March to April.[2][3]
Habitat
This species grows in sandy and gravelly soils, commonly found in wadis, depressions, and areas subject to disturbance. It is frequent in ruderal zones such as roadside verges and near urban developments.[3]