Common Name:

General Information

Rhamnus triquetra is an evergreen shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 7 metres tall.
The plant is harvested fom the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials.

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 - Himalayas.

Habitat

Woodlands; at elevations from 900 - 2,400 metres[, ]. Amongst shrubs at the margins of forests; at elevations from 1,200 - 3,000 metres in Nepal[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[].
Often bears the aecidospore stage of 'crown rust' of oats[, ].
The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is astringent and deobstruent[]. The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[].

The fruit and the bark are used as blood purifiers and to treat skin diseases, scabies, boils etc[].

An extract of the leaves and fruit is useful in the treatment of hemorrhagic septicemia[].

Caution is advised on the use of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity[].

Agroforestry Uses:

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

Other Uses

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[].

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[].

The yellowish-brown wood is hard and close grained. A handsome wood, it is used for turnery, agricultural implements and small carving[, ].
The wood is used for fuel and is a good source of charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. Germination is usually good, at least 80% by late spring. 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.