Algerian Wild Plants: Spotlight on Sambucus Canadensis

Taxonomy:
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Phylum: | Tracheophytes |
Class: | Angiosperms |
Class: | Eudicots |
Order: | Dipsacales |
Family: | |
Genus: | Sambucus |
Species: | S.Canadensi |
Here’s a detailed overview of Sambucus
canadensis (American Elderberry) with a focus on its presence in Algeria, identification,
distribution, medicinal uses, and where to find this versatile plant in
Algerian landscapes.
Introduction
Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry) is a deciduous shrub known for its clusters of white flowers and dark purple berries. While native to North America, it has been introduced in parts of North Africa, including Algeria, where it may grow in moist habitats. It is valued for its edible berries, medicinal properties, and ecological benefits.
Synonyms:
Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis
Sambucus nigra var. canadensis
Sambucus canadensis subsp. laciniata
Sambucus canadensis var. canadensis
Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensisWhere to Find It in Algeria
Habitat: Prefers moist soils near rivers, forests, or cultivated gardens.
Possible Locations:
Northern Algeria: Near the Tell Atlas mountains (Tizi Ouzou, Béjaïa).
Urban Gardens: Occasionally planted in botanical gardens or private spaces.
Near Water Sources: Streams in the Kabylie region or near the Mediterranean coast.
Note: It is not native to Algeria and may be rare or cultivated.
How to Identify Acanthus mollis platyphyllus:
Leaves: Pinnately compound, 5–11 leaflets
with serrated edges.
Flowers: Small, white, in flat-topped
clusters (May–July).
Fruit: Shiny dark purple-black berries
(August–September).
Bark: Gray-brown with shallow fissures.
Height:
2–4 meters (shrub form).Type
Of Plant
Life
Cycle
Height
Flowering
Time
Altitude
Deciduous shrub
Perennial
2 to 4 m
May-July
500 m
Leaves: Pinnately compound, 5–11 leaflets with serrated edges.
Flowers: Small, white, in flat-topped clusters (May–July).
Fruit: Shiny dark purple-black berries (August–September).
Bark: Gray-brown with shallow fissures.
Height: 2–4 meters (shrub form).Type
Of Plant
Life
Cycle
Height
Flowering
Time
Altitude
Deciduous shrub
Perennial
2 to 4 m
May-July
500 m
Mediterranean |
Edible |
Color |
Abundance |
Toxicity |
Yes |
Flowers |
white |
Not native |
Raw berries |
Other Common Name:
Arabic |
Berber |
English |
French |
Other
Name |
|
|
American Elderberry |
Sureau du Canada |
Saúco Americano
|
Botanical Characteristics
Growth Form: Deciduous shrub.
Flowers: Hermaphroditic, pollinated by insects.
Fruit: Edible when cooked (used in jams, syrups).
Toxicity: Raw berries/stems contain
cyanogenic glycosides.
Traditional Uses:
Berries for immune support (rich in vitamin C).
Flowers used in teas for colds (diaphoretic).
Modern Uses: Cultivated for supplements and culinary uses.
No comments: