Rhamnus virgatus
Roxb.
gbif· cc-by-nc
tyleredwardlloyd
gbif· cc-by-nc
Sydney Penner
gbif· cc0
Terri Koontz
Description
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.
Edible Uses
Tea. Leaves - cooked. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails. A tea is made from the leaves.
Medicinal Uses
Bitter Emetic Purgative. The fruit is bitter, emetic and purgative. It is used in the treatment of affections of the spleen.
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.
Distribution
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
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. Often bears the aecidospore stage of 'crown rust' of oats. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
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 Uses
Fuel Wood. Wood - very hard, close grained. Used only for fuel.
