Ruscus aculeatus

 

[Ruscus aculeatus]

 

Ruscus aculeatus (commonly known as “Butcher’s boom” is an evergreen, short shrub

that hardly ever reaches 1 m in height.

 

From February to April, it produces greenish-white flowers

that grow solitary, or two together,

on the upper part of what looks like leaves (1-4 cm long)

but actually they are not.

They are flattened extensions of the stem functioning as leaves!

 

The flowers are very small (3-5 mm), star-shaped,

with male and female appearing on separate plants.

 

Successfully pollinated female flowers are initially green

but gradually they become bright red berries (10-15 mm across)

which remain on the plant for quite some time. [See berry below.]

 

The plant occurs in woodland, scrub, and shady rocky places

on altitudes up to 1000 m throughout much of Europe.

 

Wondering about the plant’s funny name?

Well, it is said that

butchers in older times used to tie branches of the plant together

and used it as a broom!

 

 

  

801_1370 [Ruscus aculeatus]

 A close-up of what seems to be perceived as leaves.

 

 

[Ruscus aculeatus]

 A close-up on a star-shaped tiny flower.

 

 

[Ruscus aculeatus]

 

A close-up of a berry in its final stage of development.