Rhamnus virgatus - Roxb.

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Summary

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 are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Synonyms

R. hirsutus.

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

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

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].

Other Uses

Fuel;  Wood.

Wood - very hard, close grained. Used only for fuel[146, 158].

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[11]. Often bears the aecidospore stage of 'crown rust' of oats[1, 146]. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. Germination is usually good, at least 80% by late spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Expert comment

Author

Roxb.

Botanical References

158272

Links / References

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