Rhamnus leptophyllus
Schneid.
Conveyor Belt
Conveyor Belt
Meise Botanic Garden
What to Eat
A tea is made from the leaves.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
E. Asia - C. and W. China.
Coming Soon
How to Identify
Rhamnus leptophyllus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil. Closely related to R. parvifolius. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation: Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months cold stratification at about 5° and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring.
