Rhamnus grandiflora

Physical Characteristics

Rhamnus grandiflora is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

W. Asia - Caucasus to N. Iran.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

This species produces large crops of blackcurrant-sized fruits regularly at Kew and other sites. They have a reasonable flavour and are worthy of further investigation into potential edibility[K]. The fruit is 3 - 5mm in diameter[266].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, there is the suggestion that some members of this genus could be mildly poisonous[65].