Rhamnaceae FAMILY

Rhamnus erythroxylum

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

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 erythroxylum is a very spiny, strongly-branching, deciduous shrub, occasionally becoming tree-like; it usually grows up to 2 metres tall[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a tea and source of wood.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - Mongolia, southeast Siberia, northern and central China (Gansu, Hebei, Nei Monggol, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shanxi)

HabitatThickets, hills, open slopes, stony and rocky slopes, dry sands; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,100 metres[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ].