Bentham’s cornel (Cornus capitata, W.Roxburgh, Fl. Ind. 1: 434 (1820))

Family: Cornaceae

Author: Wall.

Bibliography: W.Roxburgh, Fl. Ind. 1: 434 (1820)

Year: 1820

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cornus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Pakistan to S. China

Description

Bentham’s cornel, known scientifically as Cornus capitata, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Cornaceae family. This plant is renowned for its ornamental beauty and its adaptability to various climatic conditions. Named by Wall., it made its first notable appearance in botanical literature through its mention in W. Roxburgh’s “Flora Indica,” where it was described in detail on page 434 of the 1820 edition.

Native to a wide geographic range, Bentham’s cornel can be found flourishing from Pakistan across to Southern China. This extensive range underscores its adaptability and versatility in different environments. The plant typically thrives in these regions, benefiting from the temperate conditions and the varied altitudes found there.

Cornus capitata is appreciated not just for its robustness but also for its aesthetic appeal. The plant produces vibrant and attractive flowers, which contribute to its popularity in horticulture and landscaping. These flowers are often a significant draw for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and texture to their gardens.

In addition to its ornamental uses, Bentham’s cornel plays a role in local ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife, thereby contributing to biodiversity. Its presence in a garden or natural setting can enhance the overall ecological balance, supporting different forms of life.

Overall, Bentham’s cornel, Cornus capitata, is a plant of significant interest both for its historical botanical importance and its practical applications in gardening and ecology. Its widespread range from Pakistan to Southern China highlights its adaptability and the valuable role it plays in both natural and cultivated environments.

Common Names

Eng: bentham’s cornel, bentham’s dogwood, evergreen dogwood
Fra: cornouiller du bentham
Swe: smultronkornell
En: Bentham’s cornel, Bentham’s dogwood, Evergreen dogwood
Eu: Himalaiako zuhandor
Zh: 头状四照花
Cs: Dřín hlavatý
Fi: Nuppikanukka
Fr: Cornouiller du Bentham
De: Benthams Hartriegel
Hu: Fejecskés som
Ru: Клубничное дерево
Sv: Smultronkornell

Synonyms

• Cynoxylon capitatum ((Wall.) Nakai)
• Benthamia capitata ((Wall.) Nakai)
• Dendrobenthamia capitata ((Wall.) Hutch.)
• Benthamidia capitata ((Wall.) H.Hara)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Laos (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 6, 2021 by esteban razmilic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Sebastian Riquelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Norbert Bollier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by Boy Portuguese (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 18, 2021 by Soto Anaía (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2020 by dragica černigoj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2020 by linda canning (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 18, 2016 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 30, 2020 by tusi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2021 by qu yue (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2020 by sharon rogers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2021 by Benjamin Ulloa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Quiroga Belen (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2016 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2022 by di Parodi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by marisol manzanera (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 27, 1952 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 26, 1954 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 1954 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 5, 1954 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 18, 2001 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7161042)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271525-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornus capitata Wall.)

Specifications

Growth