You may know him as butcher's broom, abrupt o Moorish myrtle. The ruscus aculeatus It is a very resistant perennial shrub, of great ornamental value due to its bright red berries and its deep green foliage, in addition to being one of the christmas plants most appreciated. Its presence in floral arrangements is common due to its enormous durability in vase, and in the garden it thrives in shady areas where other species fail. It is also a plant with traditional medicinal uses, so it is important to know its properties and precautions for use.
Characteristics of Ruscus aculeatus
The Ruscus aculeatus It is an evergreen shrub that develops compact bushes with rigid stems that usually reach between 60 and 120 cm in height. What look like leaves are actually cladodes or phylloclades, in other words, flattened stems with a leathery texture and a sharp apex, responsible for photosynthesis. The true leaves are tiny scales that go unnoticed and fall quickly.
The flowering is discreet: flowers greenish-whitish, small and star-shaped, emerging from the center of the phylloclades. The species is dioecious, so there are plants male y female separated. After pollination, the females produce red globose berries, about 1 cm in diameter, very decorative, which ripen from autumn and remain in winter.
It is a plant rhizomatous: under the ground it extends rhizomes from which new stems sprout, which facilitates its multiplication by division of bush and its use to form low hedges or dense patches. In botany, its kinship with the asparagus It is known, and in fact the tender shoots Butcher's broom has traditionally been consumed like asparagus, always taking the necessary precautions and respecting harvesting regulations.
The berries contain one to several seeds; these have come to be used locally as coffee substitute after proper roasting. Even so, the fruit as a whole is toxic if swallowed, so its domestic consumption is not recommended.
Distribution, habitat and ecology
Butcher's broom is native to Europe and the Mediterranean area, with presence also in regions of Western Eurasia and Atlantic islands such as the Azores and the Canary Islands. In nature it grows from fresh borders and bushes to holm oak and oak groves, often on stony or rocky soils, preferably in shadow or semi-shadow. It can be found from low altitudes to medium altitudes, and appears less frequently in dune areas.
The species shows a remarkable cold resistance and the Mediterranean summer heat, which allows it to adapt to multiple temperate climates. Its fruits are dispersed by birds and small mammals, which consume the berries and release the undigested seeds, thus promoting their natural regeneration.
Due to its popularity in winter decorations, it is recommended to practice a responsible harvesting of plant material, avoiding damaging wild populations and prioritizing cultivated plants when branches are needed for decorations.
Ornamental value and use in floristry
Butcher's broom is one of the cutting greens most valued by florists. Its branches provide Meeting structure, a very intense green stable over time and a magnificent contrast with light or red flowers. It lasts for many days in water and, with simple care, can be reused in several arrangements.
To prolong its life in a vase, it is advisable to use flower preservative in the water, cut out a few millimeters the base of the stem at each water change and keep the bouquet away from heat sources and air currents. Its resistance to withering making it ideal for Christmas centerpieces, minimalist bouquets and structural compositions.
Traditional properties and precautions
Butcher's broom contains saponosides and ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, plus Flavonoids, potassium salts, resins and an essential oil. It is traditionally attributed properties vasoconstrictor, anti-inflammatory y anti-edematous, which is why it has been used in the development of ointments and preparations intended for hemorrhoids, varicose veins, tired legs or fluid retention. It has also been used in cosmetic lotions after shaving or sun exposure, and in infusions such as diuretic.
In any case, the medicinal use of butcher's broom should be carried out always under professional supervision. Saponins can be irritants at the gastric level and the berries, for their toxicity, can cause severe digestive disorders. It is essential prevent access to children and pets to the fruits, which are very attractive due to their color.
Care of Ruscus aculeatus in the garden and pot
Light and location
Butcher's broom thrives in light shade or semi-shadeIn temperate climates and without extreme summers it tolerates soft sun, while in warm areas it is advisable to protect it from strong direct sun during the central hours to avoid water stress and dried tips in the phylloclades.
Soil and transplant
It adapts to multiple soil types (limestone, siliceous or clayey), although it prefers substrates with organic material and good sewer systemIn a pot, use a quality universal substrate with 20-30% humus or compost and drainage with gravel at the base. Transplanting is done when the pot is just right, preferably in spring.
Irrigation
Requires watering moderate: let the top layer dries between waterings. In warm climates, slightly increase the frequency in summer; in winter, reduce watering to avoid waterlogging. If you grow in a pot, empty the saucers after watering to prevent excess of water in the roots.
Temperature and climate
It is a kind rustic that tolerates frost and can withstand sub-zero temperatures without severe damage. It thrives best in climates with mild to cold winter and not extremely dry summers. Wind does not usually affect it, but in very exposed locations some shelter is advisable to preserve the humidity.
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It is a shrub of low maintenance. In fertile soil it can no need for fertilizerIn pots or poor soils, add fertilizer in spring. balanced slow-release or watering with mild fertilizer, without excess. A mulch of litter or compost in late winter helps to conserve the moisture and improves the soil.
Pruning
It does not require complicated pruning. The ideal time to cut is after the fruits fall, removing old or damaged stems and stimulating new shootsIn gardens, it allows more intense pruning for the formation of low hedges or borders.
Plagues and diseases
It is a plant very resistant to pests and diseases. The most common problems arise from excessive irrigation (rots) or locations that are too hot and dry, which can burn tips. Correct irrigation and improve ventilation to prevent them.
Toxicity and safety
The red berries are toxic by ingestion. Place plants out of reach of children and pets, especially if grown in pots at a low height or if branches are used in flower arrangements inside the home.
Multiplication
Mata Division
It is the most fast and efficient. Take advantage of your character rhizomatous: at the end of winter or in spring separate portions with roots and stems well formed and plant each segment in its final location or in pots. Keep the substrate slightly damp until the roots.
Cuttings
In summer, take stem portions semi-woody soil and plant them in an aerated substrate (peat and perlite mixture). High humidity and soft temperature will facilitate rooting. Not all cuttings take, so it is advisable to prepare multiple units.
Seeds
Reproduction by seed is slow and with irregular germination. Remove the seeds from the berries and clean them well. A period of cold stratification (overwintering) improves germination. Sowing in early spring on substrate turbid and draining, at a shallow depth, and keep moist without flooding. In forest nurseries they are used deep socket trays to guide the root and prevent spiraling; it is common to sow various seeds by alveolus given its low success rate.
To get fructification in the garden remember that it is a species dioecious: It is advisable to have male and female specimens to ensure pollination. In flowerbeds, a density of 4 to 6 plants per square meter produces attractive masses without saturating the space.
Design and uses in the garden
Butcher's broom is ideal for shady corners from the garden, under trees and shrubs, And in Slopes Difficult to access where persistent cover is sought without too much care. Thanks to its rigid phylloclades and winter berries, it offers interest all year round. It can form borders or small hedges, and works well in planters such as architectural focus.
Combines with ferns, Hellebore, nandina, ilex or with shade bulbs that provide seasonal flowering. If you want to harvest material for floristry, create a specific planting area with good stem renewal and reserve the clumps with higher density of phylloclades for cutting.
In climates with dry summers, organic mulch helps maintain the moisture and reduce watering frequency. Although it tolerates somewhat dry periods, butcher's broom looks best with a minimum of regular humidity without flooding.
Other species of the genus Ruscus
In addition to ruscus aculeatus, the genus includes species such as Ruscus hypoglossum y Ruscus hypophyllum. They all share the evergreen bearing and its value as a cutting green, with nuances in the shape and size of the phylloclades. Its cultivation is similar, prioritizing semi-shade and soils with organic matter.
