Rhamnus virgatus

Physical Characteristics

Rhamnus virgatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). 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

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Leaves - cooked. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails[179]. A tea is made from the leaves[179].

Medicinal Uses

Bitter Emetic Purgative The fruit is bitter, emetic and purgative[146, 158, 240, 272]. It is used in the treatment of affections of the spleen[240].

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].