Italian Buckthorn - introduced (*Rhamnus alaternus)

Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family).

Native of the Mediterranean region.

Occurrence: The seed is spread by birds, and this weed is usually found at the base of trees, growing near gardens which have buckthorn planted. It is a common weed near the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens.

Identification:

• it is an evergreen shrub or small tree
• the leaves are a glossy green
• the leaves are slightly toothed
• the flowers are small and greenish yellow
• the fruit are pea-sized, and red at first, turning to black when ripe.

Rhamnus: from the Greek name for this plant.

Photos 1, 2: Italian Buckthorn. Downes Road, Castlemaine.