Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Synonyms
Family
Ornamental - This ornamental shrub is commonly used for hedges and living fences. Food - Both the fruits and leaves are edible and consumed fresh, raw, or as a food supplement. Fresh or dried leaves are also used in tea. Its fruits are a food source for birds. Wood - Fuelwood: The plant is valued as a source of fuelwood, and for materials in local and commercial applications. Wood - Construction: Dried wood is used as fuel, while branches are fashioned into low-cost household items, walking sticks, and agricultural tools. Cosmetics/Essential-Oils - The leaves are used in sunburn and facial creams. The fruits are known for their cardiotonic and hypotensive properties.
Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan
It grows on rocky slopes, in forests, and in disturbed areas, including roadsides, streams, and grassy places, up to an altitude of 1000-2400 m asl.
Provides excellent cover for birds to hide from predators. Its berries are edible, but very astringent when uncooked
It is an evergreen thorny shrub, reaching a height of up to 4 m.
The stem is woody and densely branched, with numerous sharp thorns. The bark is initially smooth, turning grayish-brown and fissured with age.
Leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped with a crenate (rounded) margin. They are dark green and leathery, with a smooth upper surface and slightly paler underside.
Flowers are small and white, arranged in dense, flat-topped clusters (corymbs). They are produced in abundance. Each flower has five petals and numerous stamens.
Fruit is a small, round berry, initially green, turning bright red, orange, or yellow at maturity. They are produced in dense clusters and persist on the plant for a long time.
Flowering: April – May
Fruiting: July – December