Lycium torreyi: Herbarium Specimen, Botanical Garden, and Herbal Medicinal Uses Revisited
Lycium torreyi or Torrey wolfberry, as commonly referred to, is a flowering plant/shrub that is primarily found in the Southwest region of the US. It is often used as a potent antioxidant for strengthening the immune system. It also possesses medical properties in relieving congestion, pain, inflammation reduction of minor bug stings, allergy prevention, and nausea relief.
Because Lycium torreyi is not physically found in the UCLA Botanical Garden, we instead studied Lycium horridum. Lycium horridum is another species within the genus Lycium. We took several journal observations, including how the plant felt spiky and dry. Additionally, there were many more green leaves than we expected! In nature, Lycium horridum takes a bush/shrub shape. We noticed purple and white flowers with a yellow center. We postulated that many of these features may lend themselves to the reasoning behind why Lycium torreyi has the colloquial name of Torrey Wolfberry.
We can begin by analyzing the thorns of Lycium torreyi. The long stem of Lycium torreyi is covered in thorns across its entire length. There are likely close to 100 thorns present across the two stems pictured in the herbarium specimen. These thorns are sharp and could cause damage to any organism that attempts to eat or uproot Lycium torreyi. These thorns may serve as a defense mechanism to protect the growth and longevity of Lycium torreyi. Perhaps these thorns are similar to the common defense mechanism of wolves: their sharp teeth. Both these thorns and the sharp teeth of wolves can cause scratches and deep harm to outside invading species.
Additionally, in this herbarium specimen, dried leaves are abundant. In the small white envelope, there are dozens, even hundreds of leaves, that have fallen off the plant. These leaves cover the plant/shrub. Perhaps, these leaves are similar to the fur covering the body of wolves. In addition to the high number of leaves on the plant, the leaves are rounded in shape and small in size. They are smaller than the thorns on the plant. In the dry Mediterranean climate, likely, rain and natural water sources are not abundant. These leaves may be small to allow for any available water to be funneled to the root. Lycium torreyi requires water in the same way that any animal does, including a wolf. This is a small connection but it is an overlapping feature between Lycium torreyi and its colloquial name: Torrey Wolfberry.
The second half of the name "Wolfberry" refers to the berries of Lycium torreyi. This specimen shows only one berry. It has turned black in color and looks to be very fragile. In nature, Lycium torreyi is known to carry many berries that are bright red. These many berries are likely used to pollinate and reproduce the species. The red color may serve to distinguish the species from other plants. Interestingly, the berries may be consumed by wolves -- which may lead to the name of "Wolfberry."
WORKS CITED
Haid, Johann (Engraver), Ehret, Georg (Author), Trew, Christoph (Author), 1750, “Lycium sp.: two flowering stems of different species of Lycium with their floral segments, fruit and seed”, Wellcome Collection, 18369i.