Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Rhamnus alaternus L., Sp. Pl. 193 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Evergreen buckthorn; Italian buckthorn
 Description

Evergreen shrub to c. 5 m high, often < 1 m in exposed sites. Shoots angular, hairy, usually purple when young. Stipules subulate. Petiole 3–11 mm long, hairy, at least on upper side. Lamina 1.5–6 × 1–3 cm (sometimes smaller on flowering shoots), elliptic or elliptic-obovate, coriaceous, glossy above, becoming glabrous except for base of midrib below, entire to crenate-serrulate; base cuneate; apex acute or mucronate. Fls green, fragrant, usually in hairy bracteate racemes, sometimes infl. racemose-paniculate. Calyx lobes 4–(5), < tube, 1.7–2 mm long, reflexed, usually red-margined. Petals 0. Stamens 1–1.7 mm long. Drupe (4)–5–7 mm long, broad-obovoid, dark glossy red, becoming black.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: May–Nov.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Biosecurity New Zealand 4 Aug 2011: Unwanted Organisms Register. http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/registers/uor
Biosecurity New Zealand 2008: National Plant Pest Accord. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, Wellington.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Ministry for Primary Industries 23 Feb 2017: Unwanted Organisms Register. Version 02.01.02. https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor