3-76 Rhamnaceae, buckthorn family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, buckthorn family, dicots, Frangula, Rhamnus, buckthorn,

Abstract

Nova Scotia hosts only three species of the 900 found worldwide, in 55 genera. Shrubs or trees, they have simple leaves which may be alternate or opposite. Flowers are small and regular, 4–5-merous, producing a drupe in our species. Unisexual or perfect, they are perigynous. Stamens oppose the petals, both alternating with the sepals and equal in number to them. The fruit is inedible and may be toxic. Use of their photos donated by Sean Blaney, Martin Thomas and David Mazerolle.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor