Box-holly (Ruscus aculeatus, Sp. Pl.: 1041 (1753))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1041 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ruscus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia to Medit., W. & SC. Europe to Caucasus

Description

Box-holly, scientifically recognized as Ruscus aculeatus, is a fascinating and resilient evergreen shrub that holds a special place in various regions ranging from Macaronesia to the Mediterranean, and extending westward to Southern and Central Europe, and as far as the Caucasus. Officially cataloged in 1753 in the work “Species Plantarum” by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant is famed for its distinctive features and versatility in thriving across diverse climatic conditions.

Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, Box-holly is characterized by its robust and somewhat peculiar appearance. One of the most striking features of this plant is its cladodes, which are flattened, leaf-like structures. Despite their appearance, these cladodes are actually modified stems. Ruscus aculeatus’s true leaves have evolved into small scales, an adaptation thought to minimize water loss in its native habitats. The plant’s dark green, spiny cladodes provide a sharp contrast to its small, inconspicuous flowers which bloom in the axils of these structures.

The flowers of Box-holly, although modest in size and appearance, produce bright red berries that linger through the winter, adding a splash of color to the otherwise muted tones of the cold season. These berries are not only visually appealing but also serve as a food source for various birds and wildlife, thus playing a significant role in the ecosystem.

Box-holly’s resilience makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardening, particularly in areas where deer and other grazing animals are prevalent, as its spiny structure tends to deter such visitors. Its ability to thrive in both shaded and sunny locations, along with its low maintenance needs, makes it an excellent candidate for ground cover in challenging garden spots.

In addition to its ornamental uses, Ruscus aculeatus has been valued historically in traditional medicine. The plant contains various compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It has been employed in treating conditions such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and other circulatory problems.

In summary, Box-holly (Ruscus aculeatus) is not only a plant of considerable botanical interest but also one of practical utility and historical significance. Its adaptability, unique morphology, and ecological benefits underscore its enduring presence in the landscapes from Macaronesia to the Caucasus, making it a cherished and respected member of the Asparagaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: box-holly, butcher’s-broom
Fra: fragon piquant, petit houx
Swe: stickmyrten
Nld: stekelige muizendoorn
Cym: banadi pigog, banhadlen bigog, bruesg, bruseg, bryseg, celyn mair, celynnen fair, celynnen ffrainc, celynnen mair, gewynllys, gieulys, llys y giau, llysiau’r giau, pryseg, ysgubell y cigydd
En: Box-holly, Butcher’s-broom, Box Holly, Cnēowholen, Butcher’s Broom, Jew’s Myrtle, Kneeholm, Pettigree wild Myrtle, Sweet Broom
Ar: سفندر مدبب, Aas barri, Khizana, Meurdjel, Senesaq
Az: Ponti bigəvəri
Eu: Erratz
Br: Bug
Bg: Бодлив залист
Ca: Galzeran, Boix marí, Boix mascle, Cirerer de Betlem, Galzeran petit, Rusc
Zh: 假叶树, 假葉樹
Kw: Kelyn byghan
Co: Caracutellu
Hr: Bodljikava veprina
Cs: Listnatec pichlavý
Da: Musetorn
Nl: Stekelige muizendoorn, Muisdoorn
Eo: Pika rusko
Et: Torkav ruskus
Fi: Pikkurautamyrtti, Pikkuruskus
Fr: Petit houx, Fragon piquant, Fragon faux houx, Petit-houx, Buis piquant, Épine de rat, Fragonnette, Houx-frelon, Fragon
Gl: Xilbarbeira
Ka: Თაგვისარა
De: Stechender Mäusedorn, Mäusedorn, Myrten Storn
El: Λαγομηλιά
He: עצבונית החורש
Hu: Szúrós csodabogyó
Io: Rusko
Ga: Giolcach nimhe
It: Ruscolo pungitopo, Pungitopo, Rusco, Bruscolo, Pungi-topo, Spruneggio
Mk: Дива шимширка
Gv: Guilckagh
Fa: کوله‌خاس
Pl: Myszopłoch kolczasty
Pt: Gilbarbeira, Azevinho-menor (1), Erva-dos-vasculhos, Gilbardeira
Ru: Иглица колючая
Es: Acebillo, Rusco, Bodeča lobodika, Vrusco
Sv: Stickmyrten
Zh-tw: 假葉樹
Ta: இலையடி பழச்செடி
Zh-hant: 假葉樹
Tr: Tavşanmemesi
Uk: Рускус колючий
Cy: Celynnen Fair, BanadI Pigog, Banhadlen Bigog, Bruesg, Bruseg, Bryseg, Celyn Mair, Celynnen Ffrainc, Celynnen Mair, Gewynllys, Gieulys, Llys y Giau, Llysiau’r Giau, Pryseg, Ysgubell y Cigydd

Synonyms

• Oxymyrsine pungens (Bubani)
• Ruscus aculeatus var. laxus ((Sm.) Gray)
• Ruscus parasiticus (Gueldenst.)
• Ruscus dumosus (E.D.Clarke)
• Ruscus ponticus (Woronow)
• Ruscus aculeatus var. angustifolius (Boiss.)
• Ruscus flexuosus (Mill.)
• Ruscus laxus (Sm.)
• Ruscus aculeatus f. pumilus (Druce)
• Ruscus aculeatus subsp. laxus ((Sm.) K.Richt.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Feb 27, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 30, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2018 by kutxica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by Theo Schoenmakers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Ga b (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Philippe Levarlet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2021 by bokilo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Jeff B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 10, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2019 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2017 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2017 by roni (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 3, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2017 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2019 by alm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2016 by Jean François SIMON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by jean-jacques kelner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2017 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2018 by Juan I Deán (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2769766)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:540443-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ruscus aculeatus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jan’, ‘feb’, ‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’, ‘nov’, ‘dec’]

Soil nutriments: 5