Thick-leaf Butchers broom
Ruscus hypophyllum
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
An erect shrub. It grows 45-55 cm tall. It has a simple stem which is finely ribbed. The flattened green leaf like stems are 25-35 cm long and 5-6 cm wide. The lower ones are opposite and higher ones are in rings. They are narrowly oval and taper to the base. The flowers are white or pale blue. The fruit are 8-10 mm across. They are red and have 2 seeds.
Also put in the family Ruscaceae.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It is resistant to drought.
Countries/locations it is found in
Algeria, Asia, Australia, Caucasus, Europe, Georgia, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, Pakistan, Sicily, Spain, Tunisia
How it is used for food
The young fattened buds or shoots are boiled and seasoned with oil and lemon. They can be cooked in scrambled eggs.
Edible parts
Shoots, buds, fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dzmerkhli