Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn
The leathery leaves of this common Mediterranean shrub can vary quite a bit, some have teeth like blunt Holly and some having no teeth at all. It is much more often found in the western Mediterranean countries than the eastern where this one was discovered. The wood has been used in furniture and fruits, which are reddish to start with but then turn black, as a laxative. It will adapt to more temperate climates and has become quite common on the Great Orme in North Wales where it was introduced many years ago. In New Zealand it has become a nuisance species.
|
| Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn |
Countryside near Vuoni, Cyprus 17th April 2011
Added on June 2nd 2012