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Reference · Crops

Buckthorn family

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Ceanothus10 Berchemia8 Frangula8 Colubrina7 Gouania7 Colletia5 Alphitonia4 Condalia4 Paliurus3 Hovenia2 Berchemiella1 Colubrina1 Cryptandra1 Japanese Raisin Tree1 Karwinskia1 Krugiodendron1 Lasiodiscus1 Maesopsis1 Microrhamnus1 Noltea1
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Alphitonia Alphitonia 4 items Berchemia Berchemia 8 items Berchemiella Berchemiella 1 item Ceanothus Ceanothus L. 10 items Island Ceanothus Ceanothus arboreus Blue blossom Ceanothus caeruleus Snowbrush ceanothus Ceanothus cordulatus Buckbrush Ceanothus cuneatus Ceanothus cyaneus Ceanothus cyaneus Ceanothus delilianus Ceanothus delilianus Ceanothus divergens Ceanothus divergens Ceanothus fendleri Ceanothus fendleri Wavyleaf Ceanothus Ceanothus foliosus Ceanothus hybrids Ceanothus hybrids Whitestem ceanothus Ceanothus incanus Deerbrush Ceanothus integerrimus Jepson's Ceanothus Ceanothus jepsonii Lemmon's ceanothus Ceanothus lemmonii Chaparral whitethorn Ceanothus leucodermis Lobb's Ceanothus Ceanothus lobbianus Bigpod ceanothus Ceanothus megacarpus Mendocino ceanothus Ceanothus mendocinensis Inland New Jersey tea Ceanothus ovatus Ceanothus papillosus Ceanothus papillosus Littleleaf Ceanothus Ceanothus parvifolius Ceanothus pauciflorus Ceanothus pauciflorus Ceanothus perplexans Ceanothus perplexans Ceanothus purpureus Ceanothus purpureus Monterey ceanothus Ceanothus rigidus Red ceanothus Ceanothus sanguineus Ceanothus sorediatus Ceanothus sorediatus Ceanothus spinosus Ceanothus spinosus Ceanothus veitchianus Ceanothus veitchianus Snowbrush ceanothus Ceanothus velutinus Colletia Colletia 5 items Colubrina Colubrina 7 items Colubrina Colubrina Rich. ex Brongn. 1 item Condalia Condalia 4 items Cryptandra Cryptandra 1 item Cryptandra alpina Cryptandra alpina Discaria Discaria Discaria discolor Discaria discolor Discaria serratifolia Discaria serratifolia Discaria tomatou Discaria tomatou Frangula Frangula 8 items Gouania Gouania 7 items Hovenia Hovenia 2 items Japanese Raisin Tree Hovenia Thunb. 1 item Karwinskia Karwinskia 1 item Krugiodendron Krugiodendron 1 item Lasiodiscus Lasiodiscus 1 item Maesopsis Maesopsis 1 item Microrhamnus Microrhamnus 1 item Noltea Noltea 1 item Paliurus Paliurus 3 items Phylica Phylica L. Phylica axillaris Phylica axillaris Phylica ericoides Phylica ericoides Phylica lasiocarpa Phylica lasiocarpa Phylica nitida Phylica nitida

Buckthorn family

The Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) is a diverse family of flowering plants consisting mostly of trees, shrubs, and climbers. While many species exist in the wild, several are cultivated for their economic, medicinal, and nutritional value, such as the genus Ziziphus and the common buckthorn.

Native to a wide range of habitats across the globe, Rhamnaceae species are particularly successful in tropical and temperate zones. Their ability to thrive in varied ecological niches, from rocky hillsides to deep woodland understories, demonstrates the evolutionary success of the family in different soil types and moisture levels.

Botanically, plants in this family are recognized by their simple, often alternate leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers that are frequently nectar-rich, attracting a wide variety of pollinators. The fruit is typically a drupe or a capsule, which plays a critical role in seed dispersal by wildlife. Many species also possess thorns, which serve as a defense mechanism against herbivory.

Successful cultivation requires attention to soil drainage and sun exposure. While some species are drought-tolerant, others, particularly those grown for fruit production, benefit from regular irrigation and moderate fertilization. Pruning is essential for maintaining structure, improving airflow to prevent fungal diseases, and maximizing fruit yields in domesticated cultivars.

  • Medicinal applications of bark extracts.
  • Commercial cultivation of edible fruits like Jujube.
  • Horticultural use in landscape architecture.
  • Support for local biodiversity as a nectar source.
  • Soil stabilization due to robust root systems.

The main challenges in managing these crops involve controlling pests such as aphids and scale insects, as well as managing fungal issues like rusts or leaf spots. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including biological controls and regular monitoring, are vital for maintaining the health of orchards and commercial plantings throughout the growing season.