Rhamnus triquetra
Family: Rhamnaceae
What it is like
Rhamnus triquetra is an evergreen Shrub growing to 7 m (23ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 7
Where it is found
Woodlands, 900 - 2400 metres. Amongst shrubs at the margins of forests at elevations of 1200 - 3000 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The bark is astringent and deobstruent. The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. Caution is advised on the use of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Other
Rating:
Wood - hard, close grained, handsome. Used for turnery, agricultural implements and small carving. A good source of charcoal.
Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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.
Propagating it: 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, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The bark is toxic. Although no other mention of toxicity has been found for this species, it is possible that other parts of the plant could also be mildly poisonous.