Rhamnaceae FAMILY

Rhamnus purpurea

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 purpurea is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a corky bark; it cam grow up to 6 metres tall The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - Himalayas of Pakistan, northwest India and Nepal.

HabitatGenerally in the more open parts of the forest; at elevations from 1,300 - 3,000 metres[ 146 Title A Manual of Indian Timbers. Publication Author Gamble. J. S. Publisher Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh Year 1972 ISBN - Description First written in the 19th century, but still a classic, giving a lot of information on the uses and habitats of Indian trees. Not for the casual reader. , 158 Title Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Publication Author Gupta. B. L. Publisher Forest Research Institute Press Year 1945 ISBN - Description A good flora for the middle Himalayan forests, sparsly illustrated. Not really for the casual reader. , 1647 Title The Forest Flora of North-west and Central India - A handbook of the indigenous trees and shrubs of those countries. Publication Author Stewart J.L. & Brandis D. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/ Publisher W.H. Allen & Co; London Year 1874 ISBN Description Excellent for its time, the book still contains much useful and interesting information on Indian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ].