Rhamnaceae FAMILY

Rhamnus alpina

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

Species in this genus contain hydroxyanthracene derivatives which have a stimulant laxative effect upon the body, and many species are used traditionally as laxatives. In small doses, and for short periods, these can be safe and effective, but used over long periods they can weaken the body's natural ability to defecate and can have a range of long-lasting negative effects upon the body, including anaemia, malabsorption, haematuria and weight loss. Large single doses can cause severe purging.

Botanical Description

Rhamnus alpina is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow from 0.5 - 5 metres tall[ 1548 Title Flora Iberica Publication Author Website http://www.floraiberica.es Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Published in book form, the treatments of the various species have also been released on-line in PDF format. Records entered here are all from the on-line PDFs. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeMediterranean region - Spain to Greece, Turkey and the Levant; Morocco, Algeria

HabitatLedges and deep fissures on rocky ground, clearings in pine and beech forests, ravine bottoms, gravel banks by rivers, occupying more shady positions in mountains to the south of its range[ 1548 Title Flora Iberica Publication Author Website http://www.floraiberica.es Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Published in book form, the treatments of the various species have also been released on-line in PDF format. Records entered here are all from the on-line PDFs. ].