RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Meaning and
Definition
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Rhamnus cathartica, commonly known as buckthorn or purging buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Rhamnaceae family. Originating from Europe and Western Asia, it has invasive tendencies in some regions due to its ability to aggressively establish and dominate ecosystems.
The buckthorn plant typically reaches heights of 20-25 feet (6-8 meters) with a spreading, somewhat irregular crown. It features smooth, gray-brown bark and irregularly shaped leaves that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, while paler and dull underneath. The leaves are oval or elliptical, with a finely toothed margin, and can measure between 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long.
Rhamnus cathartica produces clusters of small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow flowers during spring, followed by berry-like fruit that ripen to a dark purple color in the fall. The fruits, although visually attractive, possess a laxative effect when consumed by humans and many mammals, hence the common name "purging buckthorn."
Due to its aggressive nature and ability to outcompete native flora, Rhamnus cathartica is considered an invasive species in parts of North America and other regions outside its native range. As a result, efforts are often made to control its spread and eradicate existing populations to protect local ecosystems and prevent the detrimental impact on native biodiversity.
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Purging buckthorn, a shrub of southern Europe the bark and berries of which are cathartic; the latter, baccae spinae cervinae, buckthorn berries, are official in the N.F. under the title rhamnus cathartica; dose gr. 10-20 (0.6-1.2).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RHAMNUS CATHARTICA
- ehamnus cathartica
- dhamnus cathartica
- fhamnus cathartica
- thamnus cathartica
- 5hamnus cathartica
- 4hamnus cathartica
- rgamnus cathartica
- rbamnus cathartica
- rnamnus cathartica
- rjamnus cathartica
- ruamnus cathartica
- ryamnus cathartica
- rhzmnus cathartica
- rhsmnus cathartica
- rhwmnus cathartica
- rhqmnus cathartica
- rhannus cathartica
- rhaknus cathartica
- rhajnus cathartica
- rhambus cathartica
Etymology of RHAMNUS CATHARTICA
The word "Rhamnus" is derived from the Greek word "rhamnos" (ῥάμνος) which means buckthorn, a type of shrub or small tree. "Cathartica" comes from the Greek word "kathairo" (καθαίρω) meaning "to cleanse or purify". Therefore, "Rhamnus cathartica" can be translated as "cleansing buckthorn" or "purifying buckthorn".
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