Biology:Frangula caroliniana

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Short description: Species of flowering plant in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae

Frangula caroliniana
Rhamnus caroliniana.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rhamnaceae
Genus: Frangula
Species:
F. caroliniana
Binomial name
Frangula caroliniana
(Walter) A.Gray
Rhamnus caroliniana map.png
Generalized natural range of Frangula caroliniana
Synonyms[2]
  • Rhamnus caroliniana Walter

Frangula caroliniana, commonly called the Carolina buckthorn,[3] is a deciduous upright shrub or small tree native to the southeastern, south-central, and mid-western parts of the United States, from Texas east to Florida and north as far as Maryland, Ohio, Missouri, and Oklahoma.[4] There is also an isolated population in the State of Nuevo León in northeastern Mexico.[5] It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including barrens, forests, and limestone bluffs.[6]

Description

Frangula caroliniana is usually around 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 meters) high, but capable of reaching 40 feet (12 meters) in a shaded location.[7] The most striking characteristic of this plant are its shiny, dark green leaves. The flowers are very small and inconspicuous, pale yellow-green, bell-shaped, appearing in leaf axils in late spring after the leaves. The fruit is a small (1/3 inch or 8.3 mm) round drupe; at first red, but later turning black with juicy flesh. It ripens in late summer.[8]

Despite its common name, the Carolina buckthorn is completely thornless.

Ecology and uses

Wildlife such as songbirds eat the fruits, which are reported to have medicinal uses.[9]

References

External links


Wikidata ☰ Q7320173 entry