Sageretia

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Sageretia
Sageretia theezans
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Rosales Family: Rhamnaceae Genus: Sageretia Brongn.
Species
See text.

Sageretia (Sageretia or Mock Buckthorn) is a genus of about 35 species of shrubs and small trees in the family Rhamnaceae, native to southern and eastern Asia and northeast Africa. They have small green leaves 1.5-4 cm long, and a leathery multicoloured trunk. The flowers are small and inconspicuous; the fruit is a small edible drupe 1 cm diameter.

The genus is named after the French botanist Auguste Sageret.

Selected species

• Sageretia brandrethiana
• Sageretia camellifolia
• Sageretia filiformis
• Sageretia gracilis
• Sageretia hamosa
• Sageretia henryi
• Sageretia horrida
• Sageretia laxiflora
• Sageretia lucida
• Sageretia melliana
• Sageretia omeiensis
• Sageretia paucicostata
• Sageretia pycnophylla
• Sageretia randaiensis
• Sageretia rugosa
• Sageretia subcaudata
• Sageretia theezans

[edit] Cultivation and uses

The leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for tea in China, and the fruit are edible, though not an important crop. S. theezans, from southern China, is a popular species in bonsai. S. paucicostata, from northern China, is the most cold-tolerant species and is occasionally grown in gardens in Europe and North America, though it is not generally considered very attractive as an ornamental plant. It is reputedly used as a way of cleaning minor cuts and lacerations, ensuring any germs left over will not infect the wound. When ground up and mixed with salt, it forms a minor explosive capable of shattering glass.