Common Name: Italian Buckthorn

General Information

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[, ].
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[].
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)[].
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[, ].

Known Hazards

Rhamnus alaternus can be toxic when used in an abusive way[].
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 References

,

Range

Mediterranean region - Portugal to Greece and Turkey; Macaronesia to Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria; Eastern Europe - Ukraine (Krym)

Habitat

Dry places[] in scrub and maquis, especially on limestone; at elevations up to 1,660 metres[, ]. Dry sunny, pebbly and stony slopes of the lower mountain belt[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rhamnus alaternus is native to a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. It is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -15°c when it is fully dormant[, ].
An easily grown plant that succeeds in ordinary garden soil in sun or shade[]. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Plants are very tolerant of exposure to salt-laden winds, succeeding in exposed maritime gardens[]. One report, however, says that they are not very root firm[].
A fairly fast-growing plant according to one report[], whilst another says that it grows slowly but has a long life-span[].
The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required. There are some reports of hermaphrodite flowers on individual trees[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used in folk medicine in many Mediterranean countries, as it has anti-oxidant virtues and is also considered to be antibacterial, antidiabetic, astringent, digestive, diuretic, hypotensive and laxative. It is used for controlling blood pressure and in the treatment of hepatic and dermatological complications[, ].
An infusion of the leaves is used as an astringent gargle[, ].
Rhamnus alaternus can be toxic when used in an abusive way[]

A decoction of the leaves and branches has been used in the treatment of conditions such as arterial hypertension; as a preventative of conditions such as arteriosclerosis and thromboembolisms; and to alleviate dental or periodontal pains.
The branches and leaves are also rich in tannins and therefore astringent; In popular medicine they have been used in the form of gargles to treat inflammations, especially of the mouth and throat[, , ].

The fruits are bitter and purgative[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants have a dense habit of growth and respond well to trimming - they can be used as a screen or a hedge[, , ].
The plant is commonly used in reforestation programs in the Mediterranean, due to its fecundity and ability to survive in xeric environments[].
The flowers are a good source of nectar for bees[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is light or dark brown; the sapwood yellowish-white. The wood is fine-grained, very heavy. It can be used in turnery, marquetry and for small cabinetry[].

We have no specific information for this species, but all the members of this genus contain a mixture of compounds (mainly rhamnetin, quercitin and rhamnazin) that make a range of good quality dyes. The colour and its intensity depend upon what part of the plant is used as dyeing material (leaves, fruits and bark are most commonly used), at what period of growth it is collected and in what state it is used. With the use of the corresponding mordants (alum, copper and iron vitriols, tin dioxide, chromium, etc.) it is possible to obtain virtually the entire spectrum of colours from lemon-yellow to purple and dark cinnamon-brown, from olive-green to intensive blue and violet[].
The dye extracts obtained from the bark, leaves and fruits are suitable for dyeing cottons, silks, woollens, leather, paper and wood. These dyes are often exceptional for their fastness[].
Many European species also possess another valuable quality - they yield a beautiful 'smoky' hue to silks and cottons and are therefore often added to other natural and artificial dyes[].

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the seeds of Rhamnus species are generally rich in fatty oil and several of them are extracted for use as lubricating oils etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months stratification at 5°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame[]. 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, mid summer in a frame[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame.
Layering in early spring[].