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Reference · Crops

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.

Main sections

Jujube15 Ceanothus10 Berchemia8 Frangula8 Colubrina7 Gouania7 Colletia5 Jujube5 Alphitonia4 Condalia4 Common buckthorn3 Hovenia2 Berchemiella1 Colubrina1 Cryptandra1 Japanese Raisin Tree1 Karwinskia1 Krugiodendron1 Lasiodiscus1 Maesopsis1
115 sections

What the section contains

Alderleaf buckthorn Rhamnus alnifolia Alphitonia Alphitonia 4 items Alpine buckthorn Rhamnus alpina Alpine Cryptandra Cryptandra alpina Berchemia Berchemia 8 items Berchemiella Berchemiella 1 item Bigpod Ceanothus Ceanothus megacarpus Blue blossom Ceanothus caeruleus California buckthorn Rhamnus californica Ceanothus Ceanothus L. 10 items Ceanothus arboreus Ceanothus arboreus Ceanothus cordulatus Ceanothus cordulatus Ceanothus cyaneus Ceanothus cyaneus Ceanothus delilianus Ceanothus delilianus Ceanothus divergens Ceanothus divergens Ceanothus hybrids Ceanothus hybrids Ceanothus lobbianus Ceanothus lobbianus Ceanothus ovatus Ceanothus ovatus Ceanothus papillosus Ceanothus papillosus Ceanothus pauciflorus Ceanothus pauciflorus Ceanothus perplexans Ceanothus perplexans Ceanothus sorediatus Ceanothus sorediatus Ceanothus spinosus Ceanothus spinosus Ceanothus veitchianus Ceanothus veitchianus Colletia Colletia 5 items Colubrina Colubrina Rich. ex Brongn. 1 item Colubrina Colubrina 7 items Common buckthorn Rhamnus L. 3 items Condalia Condalia 4 items Cryptandra Cryptandra 1 item Dahurian buckthorn Rhamnus davurica Deerbrush Ceanothus integerrimus Discaria Discaria Discaria discolor Discaria discolor Discaria serratifolia Discaria serratifolia Discaria toumatou Discaria tomatou Dwarf buckthorn Rhamnus pumila Fendler's Ceanothus Ceanothus fendleri Frangula Frangula 8 items Gouania Gouania 7 items Hollyleaf buckthorn Rhamnus crocea Hollyleaf ceanothus Ceanothus purpureus Hovenia Hovenia 2 items Imeretian buckthorn Rhamnus imeretina Italian buckthorn Rhamnus alaternus Japanese buckthorn Rhamnus japonica Japanese Raisin Tree Hovenia Thunb. 1 item Jepson ceanothus Ceanothus jepsonii Jujube Ziziphus Mill. 5 items Jujube Ziziphus 15 items Karwinskia Karwinskia 1 item Krugiodendron Krugiodendron 1 item Lanceleaf buckthorn Rhamnus lanceolata Lasiodiscus Lasiodiscus 1 item Lebanese buckthorn Rhamnus libanotica Lemmon's ceanothus Ceanothus lemmonii Little-leaf buckthorn Rhamnus parvifolia Maesopsis Maesopsis 1 item Mediterranean buckthorn Rhamnus oleoides Mendocino ceanothus Ceanothus mendocinensis

Buckthorn family

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.