Boxthorn (Lycium europaeum, Sp. Pl.: 192 (1753))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 192 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lycium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit.

Description

Boxthorn, scientifically known as Lycium europaeum, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. This hardy shrub, first described in 1753, has been a subject of study and admiration for centuries. Native to the Mediterranean region, it thrives in the arid and semi-arid climates characteristic of this area.

This resilient plant is well adapted to withstand harsh conditions, making it an integral part of the Mediterranean ecosystem. The boxthorn boasts greenish-grey, thorny branches which add to its resilient nature. The leaves are typically narrow and clustered, demonstrating an adaptation to reduce water loss in its native dry habitats.

The boxthorn’s flowers are particularly noteworthy, exhibiting a delicate white or pale purple hue. These blossoms, often appearing in clusters, provide a source of nectar for various pollinators, contributing to the plant’s ecological role. Following the flowering period, the plant produces small, red to orange berries. These berries not only add to the visual appeal of the shrub but also serve as food for wildlife.

Given its thorny nature, boxthorn can form dense thickets which serve as shelter for small animals and birds. Its role in the environment is multifaceted, providing both food and habitat for various species, making it a plant of ecological significance.

While primarily found in the wild, some gardeners and landscapers have also recognized the boxthorn’s potential as an ornamental plant. Its hardy nature and attractive appearance make it a viable option for xeriscaping and other low-water landscaping designs.

Overall, Lycium europaeum is more than just a hardy shrub; it is a vital component of its native environment. Its adaptability, ecological contributions, and visual characteristics underscore its importance in the Mediterranean flora.

Common Names

Spa: espino blanco
Eng: european matrimony-vine, european teatree, boxthorn
Deu: europäischer bocksdorn
Fra: lyciet d’europe, couronne-du-christ
En: Boxthorn, European matrimony-vine, European teatree, Bastard Jasmine, Box Thorn
Ar: عوسج (عَوسج)، عوشاج، عَوسدج, عوسدج (عَوسدج)، هوشز (هَوْشِز)، عَوسدج, عوشز(عَوشِز) ، عنب الديب (عَنب الديب، عِنب الديب), عوشيه، عوسيج
Ca: Arç de tanques
Fi: Piikkipukinpensas
Fr: Couronne-du-Christ, Lyciet d’Europe, Couronne du Christ, Jasmin bâtard
De: Europäischer Bocksdorn
El: Λύκιο το Ευρωπαίο
He: אטד אירופי
It: Acutoli, Spina santa comune, Spina-santa comune
Pl: Kolcowój europejski
Es: Espino blanco, Cambrón

Synonyms

• Lycium barbarum var. brevilobum (Post)
• Lycium orientale (Miers)
• Lycium mediterraneum var. glabrum (Dunal)
• Lycium mediterraneum subsp. breviflorum (Dunal)
• Lycium europaeum var. macrocarpum (Lavallée)
• Lycium spinosum (Hasselq.)
• Lycium siculum (Ucria)
• Lycium spina-christi (Sennen & Elías)
• Lycium saevum (Miers)
• Lycium salicifolium (Mill.)
• Lycium europaeum var. arabicum (Terraciano)
• Lycium dumosum (Salisb.)
• Lycium mediterraneum (Dunal)
• Lycium obliquifolium (Stokes)
• Lycium macrocarpum (Lavallée)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 19, 2021 by abderrahman bedre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Santoyo Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2018 by Ricardo Aperador Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Santoyo Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2018 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by bimbi bimbi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Daniel waitzmann88 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Jaime (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2020 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Santoyo Javier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 31, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2020 by A. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Santoyo Javier (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 22, 2019 by Álvaro Gutiérrez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2019 by Roman Vavra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Kseniia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Laliberté (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 3, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jun 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by bimbi bimbi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Miguel Ángel Segovia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2020 by Christophe MARNAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Junyent Alberto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2019 by Daniele Ori (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by Pascual Asensio (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3797421)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:816435-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lycium europaeum L.)

Specifications

Growth