Box Holly, Butcher’s broom, Jew's myrtle, Sicilian asparagus
Ruscus aculeatus
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 75-100 cm high and spreads 100 cm wide. It forms clumps. The stems are erect. It spreads by underground stems or rhizomes. The leaves are reduced. The stems are flattened and like leaves. These are 18-30 mm long and have prickly tips. The flowers are on the surface of these leaf like structures. The flowers are greenish-white and 3 mm long. They can occur singly or in pairs. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are bright red berries. They are 7 mm across.
There are 5-6 Ruscus species. Also put in the family Ruscaceae.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in woods, scrub and usually in shade. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Croatia, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, Portugal, San Marino, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, USA
How it is used for food
The young developing shoots are cooked and eaten like asparagus. They are pungent and somewhat bitter. They are dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. The seeds are used as a substitute for coffee.
Edible parts
Shoots, stems, seeds - coffee
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Albricias, Bodeča lobodika, Değirmen boncuğu, Deve çöküren, Deve tomurcuğu, Kostrava, Kostrika, Pungitopo, Puntaroli, Rusco, Scopa pungente, Scupa pungicosa, Scuparini, Spinasurci