Butcher’s Broom, or Ruscus aculeatus, is a low-growing perennial bush with robust, erect, stems and really rigid leaves that terminate in an exceedingly sharp spine. From the middle of the leaves grow little greenish-white flowers that blossom in early spring and turn out to be red berries in season. The little red berries cling to the leaves with a brief stem, making it a strange looking plant.
The Butcher’s broom, however, is not breaking any rules of the plant kingdom, because what appears to be leaves are actually modified stems called cladodes, that have been flattened to not only look like leaves but serve their function as well.
Butcher’s broom is widely distributed, from Iran to the Mediterranean and also the southern United States. They have been used for more than 2,000 years as laxative and diuretic and to treat various ailments such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, itching, and swelling. The young shoots of the plant are also eaten like those of asparagus.The stiff twigs were once bundled together and used by butchers to keep their cutting boards clean, from which came its common English name: butcher’s broom.
The Butcher’s broom, however, is not breaking any rules of the plant kingdom, because what appears to be leaves are actually modified stems called cladodes, that have been flattened to not only look like leaves but serve their function as well.
Butcher’s broom is widely distributed, from Iran to the Mediterranean and also the southern United States. They have been used for more than 2,000 years as laxative and diuretic and to treat various ailments such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, itching, and swelling. The young shoots of the plant are also eaten like those of asparagus.The stiff twigs were once bundled together and used by butchers to keep their cutting boards clean, from which came its common English name: butcher’s broom.
Source: Amusing Planet
