Ruscus aculeatus

Taxobox
name = Butcher's broom


image_width = 200px
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Ruscaceae
genus = "Ruscus"
species = "R. aculeatus"
binomial = "Ruscus aculeatus"
binomial_authority = L.

Butcher's broom "Ruscus aculeatus", Ruscaceae, formerly in Liliaceae) is a low evergreen Eurasian shrub of the lily family, with flat shoots known as cladodes that give the appearance of stiff, spine-tipped leaves. Small greenish flowers appear in spring, and are borne singly in the centre of the cladodes. The female flowers are followed by a red berry, and the seeds are bird-distributed, but the plant also spreads vegetatively by means of rhizomes. "Ruscus aculeatus" occurs in woodlands and hedgerows, where it is tolerant of deep shade, and also on coastal cliffs. It is also widely planted in gardens, and has spread as a garden escape in many areas outside its native range.

ynonyms

*Kneeholy
* Knee Holly
* Kneeholm
* Jew's Myrtle
* Sweet Broom
* Pettigree

References

* botanical.com: [http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/brobut71.html Broom, Butcher's]