Buckthorn, Indian buckthorn
Rhamnus virgata

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It has many branches. The branches usually end in a sharp thorn. The leaves are almost opposite and 2-10 cm long by 1-6 cm wide. They are narrowly sword shaped. There can be teeth along the edge. The flowers are of one sex and are in the axils of leaves. The flowers are 4-5 mm long. The fruit are oval and 7 mm long. They have 2-4 seeds. The seeds are shiny and have a groove on the back. They are dark brown and 5 mm long by 2 mm wide.

There are over 100 Rhamnus species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In China it grows on mountain slopes between 1,200-3,800 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Thailand, Tibet

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled and eaten with salt and oil.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chato, Chadua, Chandul, Chaurda, Chetain, Chetula, Kanji, Tadru

Synonyms

Rhamnus dahuricus M. Laws non R. dahurica Pall.;