Common Name: Avignon Berry

General Information

Rhamnus saxatilis is a spiny, erect, to prostrate, deciduous shrub usually growing 100 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for mainly local use as a dye. Prior to the advent of synthetic dyes the plant was also often cultivated, and was harvested on a large scale for its dye which was traded[, ]. The plant is grown as an ornamental[].

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

, , ,

Range

Southern and central Europe - Germany to Spain, east through Slovakia and Italy to Moldova and Greece; W. Asia - Turkey.

Habitat

Rocky places on calcareous soils in the Mediterranean[, ]. Shady, pebbly and stony slopes of hills and mountains, shrubby formations, light dry groves[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rhamnus saxatilis is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant[].
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[]. Requires a calcareous soil[].
This species is polymorphic[].
The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The berries and a portion of the bark are said to be purgative[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers are a good source of nectar for bees[].

Other Uses

A yellow to greenish dye is obtained from the unripe fruit[, , , , ]. This dye was at one time commonly used until the advent of chemically produced dyes[].
Prior to the advent of synthetic dyes it was in wide demand (especially in France) as an excellent natural dye, mainly for use in the textile industry, but also for other purposes such as haberdashery, paper manufacture, and painting[].

All the species of Rhamnus 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 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[].