Rhamnaceae

Rhamnus alaternus

Common Names: Evergreen buckthorn

Plant Form: Large shrub or small tree. Size: Up to 5 m tall. Stem: Greenish and hairless to dark brown furrowed with age. Leaves: Oval shaped, 2-8 cm long, with serrated edges. Dark green and shiny above, paler underneath. Flowers: Inconspicuous greenish or yellowish flowers, up to 3 mm long, in small dense clusters. Fruit and Seeds: Small berry-like fruit 3-7 mm long which ripen from green to red, and then black or brown. Containing 3 hard nutlets. Habitat: Coastal scrub, woodlands, old gardens, riparian areas. Distinguishing Features: Serrated leaf edges and red to black ripe fruit.