Rock tanninbush (Osyris lanceolata, Exsicc. (Unio Itin.) 1832: s.n. (1832))

Family: Santalaceae

Author: Hochst. & Steud.

Bibliography: Exsicc. (Unio Itin.) 1832: s.n. (1832)

Year: 1832

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Osyris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., S. Iberian Pen. Baleares, Sahara to S. Africa, Socotra, Indian Subcontinent to S. China and Indo-China

Description

The Rock Tanninbush, known scientifically as Osyris lanceolata, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Santalaceae family. Described by Hochst. & Steud. in the early 19th century, it holds a significant place in various ecosystems across the globe.

This hardy shrub can be found thriving in diverse regions, ranging from the Canary Islands and the southern Iberian Peninsula, including the Balearic Islands, extending through the vast stretches of the Sahara to South Africa. The Rock Tanninbush’s presence is notable in Socotra and extends further into the Indian Subcontinent, reaching as far as southern China and Indo-China. Such a wide distribution signifies its adaptability and ecological significance in different climatic conditions and terrains.

As a member of the Santalaceae family, Osyris lanceolata plays an essential role in the plant community, often involved in unique ecological interactions. Its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions showcases its resilience and evolutionary success.

The historical discovery and classification of this plant, recorded in 1832, emphasize the enduring interest and study of botanical sciences during that era. The research and observations noted from regions across its widespread range provide valuable insights into its botanical characteristics and ecological importance.

The Rock Tanninbush continues to be a subject of study for botanists and ecologists, contributing to a better understanding of plant biodiversity and conservation needs in the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

En: Rock tanninbush
Af: Bergbas
Vi: Đàn hương Đông Phi

Synonyms

• Osyris abyssinica f. latifolia (Fiori)
• Osyris tenuifolia (Engl.)
• Osyris urundiensis (De Wild.)
• Osyris parvifolia (Baker)
• Osyris arborea var. stipitata (Lecomte)
• Osyris wightiana (Wall. ex Wight)
• Osyris abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.)
• Osyris arborea (Wall. ex A.DC.)
• Osyris wightiana var. puberula ((Hook.f.) Kumari)
• Osyris wightiana var. stipitata ((Lecomte) P.C.Tam)
• Osyris quadripartita var. canariensis (Kämmer)
• Osyris wightiana var. rotundifolia ((P.C.Tam) P.C.Tam)
• Osyris arborea var. tipitata (Lecomte)
• Osyris oblanceolata (Peter)
• Osyris quadripartita (Salzm. ex Decne.)
• Osyris divaricata (Pilg.)
• Osyris quadrifida (Salzm. ex A.DC.)
• Osyris densifolia (Peter)
• Osyris pendula (Balf.f.)
• Osyris nepalensis (Griff.)
• Osyris arborea var. rotundifolia (P.C.Tam)
• Osyris rigidissima (Engl.)
• Osyris laeta (Peter)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Free State (native)
• India (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Sahara (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 30, 2019 by Jean-Luc de Ochandiano (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2006 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2006 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Mateos Fernández Emilio (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 12, 2020 by Luis Olivé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Beatriz Acabado (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2019 by Aceña Patricia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by George Mugambi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Blázquez Benedicto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Jul 8, 2019 by QldAu Gullies (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 25, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Arturo Oradini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Arturo Oradini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Bark

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Other

Taken Jul 22, 2018 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2018 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Bernard SOULIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

© 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/3788959)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:780506-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Osyris lanceolata Hochst. & Steud.)

Specifications

Growth