Rhamnus alaternus
Rhamnus alaternus
Safety & Hazards
Rhamnus alaternus can be toxic when used in an abusive way[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ]. 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 alaternus is a much-branched, evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 metres tall with a bole 30 - 40cm in diameter[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. , 549 Title Flore Forestiere Du Globe Publication Author Chnacerel L. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Gauthier-Villars et Co.; Paris. Year 1920 ISBN Description Written in French, a very detailed work on the timbers of the world. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. An ornamental plant, it can be grown as a hedge and is valued in horticulture for its glossy leaves and red berries[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ]. Rhamnus alaternus has a wide geographical range and there are no significant threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ]. Rhamnus alaternus was introduced as an ornamental to many areas outside its native range in the 1900's. It has often escaped from cultivation and, because of its ability to form dense stands that eventually exclude all other types of vegetation, has become an invasive tree along coastlines and forests. The plant is considered an invasive weed in New Zealand, Australia, and parts of North America[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. , 413 Title Global Invasive Species Database Publication Author Website http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Very detailed information on almost 400 species (with more being added) of plants that have become weeds in areas outside their native range. ].