This is a slow growing Buckthorn with the interesting characteristic that a group of similar shrubs can have fruits on one and flowers on the other at the same time. Birds like the fruits which are said to be laxative to humans and so this long fruiting season can be very useful to them. Rhamnus lycioides is found in stony dryish areas of Spain such as the area of Almeria near Tabernas where this one was discovered.

Near Tabernas on verhe of A341, Almeria, Spain 21st March 2012

Added on 3rd june 2012