Common Name:

General Information

Rhamnus parvifolia is a much-branched, spiny shrub growing around 150 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a dye. It has sometimes been cultivated as the source of a green dye[], and can be grown as an ornamental and a hedge.

Known 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 References

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Range

E. Asia - Russia (eastern Siberia), Mongolia, northern and central China, Korea, Taiwan

Habitat

Thickets, grasslands, stony slopes, on open shiny rocks; at elevations from 400 - 2,300 metres[]. Bare, exposed, rocky slopes[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rhamnus parvifolia is a plant of cold temperate regions, usually growing in arid to semi-arid areas.
Found in the wild on decomposed granitic soils in dry places[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A spiny plant that is densely branched and has a well-rounded form. It is of value as a medium-sized hedge, especially in drier regions of the temperate zone[].
The flowers are a good source of nectar for bees[].

Other Uses

A green dye is obtained from the plant[].
We have no further 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[].

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 in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months cold stratification at about 5° and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed[]. 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[].