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Reference · Crops

Buckthorn family

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Jujube15 Pomaderris5 Jujube5 Common buckthorn3 Scutia3 Rhamnella2 Sarcomphalus2 Ventilago2 Reynosia1 Spyridium1 Spyridium1
115 sections

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Cape Myrtle Phylica paniculata Phylica plumosa Phylica plumosa Pomaderris Pomaderris 5 items Reynosia Reynosia 1 item Rhamnella Rhamnella 2 items Common buckthorn Rhamnus L. 3 items Italian buckthorn Rhamnus alaternus Alderleaf buckthorn Rhamnus alnifolia Alpine buckthorn Rhamnus alpina California buckthorn Rhamnus californica Ribbed buckthorn Rhamnus cotata Hollyleaf buckthorn Rhamnus crocea Dahurian buckthorn Rhamnus davurica Rhamnus depressa Rhamnus depressa Rhamnus disperma Rhamnus disperma Red-stem buckthorn Rhamnus erythroxylon Rhamnus fallax Rhamnus fallax Rhamnus glandulosa Rhamnus glandulosa Rhamnus heterophylla Rhamnus heterophylla Imeretian buckthorn Rhamnus imeretina Japanese buckthorn Rhamnus japonica Lanceleaf buckthorn Rhamnus lanceolata Rhamnus leptophylla Rhamnus leptophylla Lebanese buckthorn Rhamnus libanotica Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris Rhamnus lycioides Rhamnus lycioides Small-fruited buckthorn Rhamnus microcarpa Mediterranean buckthorn Rhamnus oleoides Round-leaf buckthorn Rhamnus orbiculata Pallas buckthorn Rhamnus pallasii Little-leaf buckthorn Rhamnus parvifolia Peach-leaf buckthorn Rhamnus persicifolia Rhamnus prinoides Rhamnus prinoides Dwarf buckthorn Rhamnus pumila Rhamnus punctata Rhamnus punctata Wrinkled buckthorn Rhamnus rugulosa Rock buckthorn Rhamnus saxatilis Sibthorp buckthorn Rhamnus sibthorpiana Smith's buckthorn Rhamnus smithii Rhamnus utilis Rhamnus utilis Rhamnus virgata Rhamnus virgata Rhamnus wightii Rhamnus wightii Yoshino buckthorn Rhamnus yoshinoi Sageretia Sageretia Sageretia filiformis Sageretia filiformis Sageretia hamosa Sageretia hamosa Sageretia lucida Sageretia lucida Sageretia thea Sageretia thea Sarcomphalus Sarcomphalus 2 items Scutia Scutia 3 items Spyridium Spyridium 1 item Spyridium Spyridium Fenzl 1 item Ventilago Ventilago 2 items Jujube Ziziphus 15 items Jujube Ziziphus Mill. 5 items

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.