Sageretia

Taxobox
name = "Sageretia"

---

image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Sageretia theezans"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Rosales
familia = Rhamnaceae
genus = "Sageretia"
genus_authority = Brongn.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text.

"Sageretia" (Sageretia or Mock Buckthorn) is a genus of about 35 species of shrubs and small trees in the family Rhamnaceae, native to southern and eastern Asia and northeast Africa. They have small green leaves 1.5-4 cm long, and a leathery multicoloured trunk. The flowers are small and inconspicuous; the fruit is a small edible drupe 1 cm diameter.

The genus is named after the French botanist Auguste Sageret.

;Selected species
*"Sageretia brandrethiana"
*"Sageretia camellifolia"
*"Sageretia filiformis"
*"Sageretia gracilis"
*"Sageretia hamosa"
*"Sageretia henryi"
*"Sageretia horrida"
*"Sageretia laxiflora"
*"Sageretia lucida"
*"Sageretia melliana"
*"Sageretia omeiensis"
*"Sageretia paucicostata"
*"Sageretia pycnophylla"
*"Sageretia randaiensis"
*"Sageretia rugosa"
*"Sageretia subcaudata"
*"Sageretia theezans"

Cultivation and uses

The leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for tea in China, and the fruit are edible, though not an important crop. "S. theezans", from southern China, is a popular species in bonsai. "S. paucicostata", from northern China, is the most cold-tolerant species and is occasionally grown in gardens in Europe and North America, though it is not generally considered very attractive as an ornamental plant. It is reputedly used as a way of cleaning minor cuts and lacerations, ensuring any germs left over will not infect the wound. When ground up and mixed with salt, it forms a minor explosive capable of shattering glass.