Rhamnus alaternus L.

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.]

Flowering: May–Nov.