Introduction:
Rhamnus cathartica is a deciduous shrub found in various parts of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It belongs to the plant family Rhamnaceae. This shrub is commonly known as Common buckthorn, purging buckthorn, European buckthorn, or Hart's thorn.
Plant Appearance:
Common buckthorn usually grows up to 6 meters tall, with a diameter of 20 cm. It has a gray-brown bark with elongated grooves and light brown twigs with sharp thorns. The leaves are arranged oppositely and have a tapered shape, with pointed tips. They are dark green in color, and the undersides of the leaves have tiny hairs.
Uses:
The bark, berries, and leaves of Rhamnus cathartica have different uses, and they have been used for medicinal and practical purposes. The bark has been used for dyeing, making soap, and as a purgative to treat constipation. The berries have been used as a natural laxative, to treat edema, and to expel intestinal parasites. The leaves have been used to treat wounds, pains, and skin diseases.
This plant is also used in landscaping and gardening, as it has an ornamental appearance. The thorny structure of the shrub makes it an ideal plant for hedgerows to create a barrier or boundary.
Conclusion:
Common buckthorn is a useful plant with different uses, but it is also an invasive species in some areas. Its berries are spread by birds, which contributes to their spread, and they compete with native species for resources. It is essential to control the spread of this plant, as it can have detrimental effects on the local biodiversity.
Light Requirements
Rhamnus cathartica thrives in areas with full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow its best. It is essential to avoid planting it in areas with intense shade as inadequate light will lead to low production yields and leggy growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in fertile, well-draining soil types. Rhamnus cathartica thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils with pH levels between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil must have excellent drainage capacity to avoid waterlogging, which can result in root rot. Well-draining soil types include sandy or loamy soil enriched with organic matter.
Temperature Requirements
Rhamnus cathartica grows best in areas with cool or mild temperatures, but it can also tolerate high temperatures. The optimal temperature range for the plant is between 5°C and 27°C. Temperatures above 27°C can induce water loss through evapotranspiration, leading to stunted growth. On the other hand, extremely low temperatures below -30°C can damage the plant, resulting in foliage loss and death.
Cultivation Methods
Rhamnus cathartica is a resilient shrub that thrives in various soil types except those that are waterlogged or overly dry. When planting, the shrub should be positioned in areas that receive full or partial sunlight with well-draining soil. The recommended planting period for the plant is during autumn or spring. It is crucial to keep the soil moist for the plant to establish fast and promote the growth of roots.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential, especially during the initial development period. Rhamnus cathartica requires consistent moist soil to thrive, but overwatering should be avoided since it can cause root rot and attract pests. During the hot and dry seasons, it may be necessary to water the plant frequently to prevent wilting. However, during the winter period, the plant may require less water since it may become dormant.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Rhamnus cathartica should be done once or twice annually to supply the plant with essential nutrients. The ideal time to apply fertilizer is during spring before the plant starts growing or during the autumn period after the growing season is complete. It is crucial to use organic fertilizers since harsh chemicals may harm the shrub. Before applying any fertilizer, it is advisable to conduct a soil test to determine the appropriate nutrients that the plant requires.
Pruning
Pruning is vital to Rhamnus cathartica since it promotes growth, prevents the accumulation of dead wood, and ensures that the plant remains attractive throughout the year. The ideal time to prune is during late winter or early spring. During pruning, it is crucial to remove only the dead or diseased branches and reduce the older stems to promote new growth. Avoid excessive pruning since it may harm the plant's growth and lead to poor flowering in the years to come.
Propagation of Rhamnus cathartica
Propagation is the process of growing new plants from seeds, cuttings, or other plant parts. Rhamnus cathartica, also known as common buckthorn or purging buckthorn, can be propagated in several ways:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Rhamnus cathartica is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from mature fruit and planted in well-draining soil in the fall. The seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep and covered with soil. They can be left outside over the winter, as the cold temperature helps to break down the tough seed coat. Seeds will germinate in the spring and can be transplanted when they are large enough to handle.
Softwood Cutting Propagation
Rhamnus cathartica can also be propagated through softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long and should include a few leaves. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a partially shaded area until roots form in about 4-6 weeks.
Hardwood Cutting Propagation
Hardwood cuttings can also be used to propagate Rhamnus cathartica. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in late fall or winter when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be about 6-12 inches long and should include the current year’s growth. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a partially shaded area until roots form in about 4-6 weeks.
Layering Propagation
Another method of propagating Rhamnus cathartica is through layering. Layering involves bending a branch or stem down to the ground and covering it with soil. Roots will form where the stem touches the soil, and the new plant can be transplanted when it has established roots. Layering is often used to propagate plants that are difficult to root from cuttings.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhamnus Cathartica Plants
Rhamnus cathartica, commonly known as the buckthorn plant, is susceptible to various diseases and pests that could cause significant harm to the plant, resulting in stunted growth and eventually death if not managed correctly. Therefore, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that could affect the plant and the respective ways of managing them.
Common Diseases
Crown Gall: Crown gall is a prevalent bacterial disease that causes the formation of large fleshy tumors on the roots, stems, and branches of the Rhamnus cathartica plant. The most effective method of managing this disease is to remove the infected plant tissue using sterilized pruning equipment and disinfecting the remaining plant parts with the right chemical bactericide.
Verticillium Wilt: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that causes the plant's leaves to wilt, turn yellow, and fall off. It's essential to remove and destroy the affected plant parts and avoid planting the Rhamnus cathartica in soil that has been previously infected with the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, green insects that suck sap from the buckthorn plant's soft tissue, causing the formation of yellow spots and deformation of leaves and stems. The best way to manage aphids is by using insecticides, regularly applying neem oil, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to the garden.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant by piercing the leaves and sucking out its sap, resulting in yellow or brown spots. Managing spider mites involves spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, applying insecticidal soaps, or releasing natural predators such as predatory mites.
Scales: Scales are parasitic insects that feed on the plant by piercing the stem and sucking sap, which eventually weakens the plant and may cause death. Scale infestations can be managed by using horticultural oils, pruning off heavily infested plant parts, or using biological control agents such as parasitic wasps.
By being aware of these diseases and pests and using the appropriate management practices, you can keep your Rhamnus cathartica plants healthy and thriving.
