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Calligonum aphyllum

Calligonum aphyllum, sometimes referred to by the Chinese name wu ye sha guai zao, is an evergreen shrub valued for its hardiness and unique characteristics.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calligonum aphyllum (Pallas) Guerke
• Family: Polygonaceae
• Genus: Calligonum
• Synonyms:
  • Pterococcus aphyllus Pallas
  • Calligonum pallasia L'Hr.
  • Calligonum polygonoides Pall. (This is a synonym for Calligonum aphyllum according to some sources.)
• Infraspecific Taxon: Calligonum aphyllum subsp. aphyllum

Distribution and Habitat

Calligonum aphyllum is found in:

• Xinjiang
• Kazakhstan
• Russia (SE European part, W Siberia)
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan
• Southwest Asia

It often thrives in sandy soils and is part of shrub deserts.

Morphology and Biology

• Growth Habit: Evergreen shrub, typically growing to 1-1.5 meters (approximately 4 feet) tall, but can reach up to 2 meters.
• Root System: Possesses a tap root, and sometimes a rhizome.
• Leaves: Characterized as "aphyllum," meaning leafless or without prominent leaves, with linear leaves (2-4 mm long) that have an acute apex.
• Flowering: It is in leaf by January 12th, flowers in May, and seeds ripen in July.
• Flowers: White, green, or red tepals (approximately 3 mm long).

Ecological Role

Calligonum aphyllum forms shrub deserts and is a component species in certain shrubland ecosystems. It can be found alongside other species like Dammit ramosissima and is adapted to environments with low osmotic potential.

Other Interactions

• Calligonum aphyllum is known to interact with insect species such as Pachypsylloides aemulus and Pachypsylloides argutus.

Further Information

More information about Calligonum aphyllum can be found at:

• Flora of China: Online version from Harvard University
• TROPICOS: Nomenclatural database
• International Plant Names Index
• The European Nature Information System
• USDA, NRCS Plants Database