Viburnum Rugosum The Wrinkled-Leaf Shrub and Its Place in Algerian Flora
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Phylum: | Tracheophytes |
Class: | Angiosperms |
Class: | |
Order: | Dipsacales |
Family: | |
Genus: | Viburnum |
Species: | V. Rugosum |
The world of Algerian native plants is vast and fascinating, filled with both
common blooms and botanical rarities. While many are familiar with classic
Mediterranean shrubs, today we delve into a more unusual subject: Viburnum
rugosum. This distinct species, known for its textured foliage, is a
point of interest for anyone studying the flora of North Africa and the intricacies of Algerian plant biodiversity. This
guide explores its identity and investigates its presence within Algeria's
landscapes.
Introduction
Viburnum rugosum, commonly called the Wrinkled Viburnum, is an evergreen shrub prized for its unique and deeply veined; "rugose" (wrinkled) leaves. Unlike its more common relatives, it holds a certain mystique, often placing it on lists of interesting rare plants in Algeria and among specialized collections of Algerian native plants. Understanding this species helps us appreciate the subtle variations and hidden gems within the native Algerian flora.
Synonyms
Primary Synonym: Viburnum stellato-tomentosum
Tynus rugosus
Tinus rugosus
incl in Viburnum tinus subsp .rigidum
Viburnum strictumHow to identify it:
Growth Habit: A large, evergreen shrub or small tree, typically growing 2-5 meters tall, with a dense, rounded habit.
Leaves: This is its most defining feature. The leaves are simple, opposite, and oval to elliptical. They are thick, leathery, and have a deeply sunken vein structure, creating a pronounced wrinkled or blistery texture (rugose) on the upper surface. The underside is covered with a dense, star-shaped (stellate) pubescence, giving it a felt-like, brownish or rusty appearance.
Flowers: Small, white flowers arranged in dense, flat-topped clusters (cymes). The flower buds are often reddish.
Fruit: The flowers develop into small, oval drupes that turn from red to a bluish-black or deep purple when ripe.
|
Type
Of Plant |
Life
Cycle |
Height |
Flowering
Time |
Altitude |
|
Shrub |
Perennial |
2 to 5 m |
May-Juin |
0 - 1200 m |
|
Mediterranean |
Edible |
Color |
Abundance |
Toxicity |
|
Yes |
No |
White |
Rare |
Low toxic |
Other Common Name:
|
Arabic |
Berber/Targui |
English |
French |
Other
Name |
|
El Madjaada |
|
Wrinkled viburnum |
Laurier-Tin |
Viburno Tino |
Where to Find It in Algeria: Exact Locations
Viburnum opulus grows naturally in humid forest zones and mountainous areas of northern Algeria, especially where Mediterranean climatic influences prevail.
Confirmed Locations:
Region Tizi Ouzou, Béjaïa
Chréa National Park
Blida Atlas and Médéa
El Kala National Park
Aïn Draham (bordering Tunisia, transitional floristic zone)Related species:
§
Viburnum Odoratissimum -Awabuki
§
Viburnum
Macrophyllum
§
Viburnum
rigidum
§ Viburnum rhytidophyllum
§
Viburnum Tinus -Laurustunis
§
Viburnum
Tomentosum
§
Viburnum
Prunifolium
§
Viburnum
suspensum
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