Lokao
Rhamnus globosa

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-4 m tall. The branches are opposite. They are grey brown and end in a spine. Young branches are hairy. The leaves are opposite and can be on short shoots. The leaves are pale green underneath. They are almost round and 1-6 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The flowers have both sexes and are in groups of up to 20 on the ends of branches. The fruit is black when ripe. It is almost round and 4-6 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in the understorey in forests below 1,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Caution, colouring

How it is grown

In China it flowers April to May and fruits June to October.

Its other names

Local names

Yuan ye shu li

Synonyms

Rhamnus chlorophora Decne.; Rhamnus globosa var. meyeri (C. K. Schneid.) S. Y. Li & Z. H. Ning; Rhamnus meyeri C.K. Schneid.;