Mediterranean buckthorn

Appearance

"Rhamnus alaternus" is an evergreen shrub 1–5 metres high. The stems have reddish bark and pubescent young branches, rounded and compact foliage with alternating leaves, 2–6 centimetres long, sometimes nearly opposite, oval or lanceolate, leathery, shiny green, yellowish-green underneath.

The small fragrant flowers are gathered in a short axillary yellow-green raceme. The flowering period extends from February to April. Fruits are obovoidal red-brownish drupes of about 3–4 millimetres, containing from 2 to 4 seeds. The drupes darken to black when ripe. Fruits have medicinal properties and can be used with caution as a laxative.

Naming

The genus name derives from the Ancient Greek "rabdos", or “stick” with reference to the presence in many species of woody spine on the end of each twig. The specific Latin name "alaternus", assonant with "alternus" or “alternate”, refers to the alternate leaves.* "Rhamnus alaternus" L. subsp. "alaternus"
⤷  "Rhamnus alaternus" L. subsp. "myrtifolia" Maire
⤷  "Rhamnus alaternus" L. subsp. "pendula" Jafri

Distribution

This species is widespread in thermophilic evergreen bush and scrubland of the Mediterranean climate regions, from sea level up to 700 m above sea level.

Habitat

This species is widespread in thermophilic evergreen bush and scrubland of the Mediterranean climate regions, from sea level up to 700 m above sea level.