Butcher's broom, Knee holly
Fragon
Rhizomatous, evergreen, subshrub, native to central and southern Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. Grows slowly to 2' - 3' high and wide, preferring shade to deep shade. The common name 'butcher's broom' refers to the tradition of European butchers binding the stiff twigs together and using the bundle to clean their cutting boards. "Aculeatus" means prickly or spiney.
What appear to be leaves are actually modified stem structures called cladophylls. They are ovate, thick, spiney-tipped, and twisted at the base. The flowers are six-petaled, star shaped greenish, white blossoms emerging from the middle of the cladophyll Jan. through April, followed by bright red berries.
Butcher's broom has been used as a medicinal agent for a variety of purposes, particularly for circulatory problems. The root was used as a substitute for asparagus.
Ruscus aculeatus should not be confused with cytisus scoparius (broom) or spartium junceum (spanish broom).
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| Form, along a path in Lacoste, 9.22.14 |
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| In the woods by a stone wall in Lacoste, 9.22.14 |
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| Stem showing cladophylls or leaf-like structures with their twisted bases, 9.22.14 |
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| Blossom in center of cladophyll |
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| Berry |
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| Berries on plants in Lacoste woods, 10.7.14 |
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| Illustration by Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé, 1885 |
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