Mediterranean buckthorn

The Mediterranean buckthorn is a shrub or small tree found in scrubland, growing to a height of 1-5 meters (rarely taller). The plant has reddish bark; evergreen leaves that are leathery and shiny; small flowers gathered in clusters that some describe as smelly while others say they have a pleasant honey scent; berries that are red at first and then turn black, also with an intense smell. Folk medicine attributes healing properties to certain parts of the plant. The root and berries contain toxic active compounds. The yellowish wood is used in cabinet making because it is quite hard; when freshly cut, it gives off an unpleasant odor, which has earned it the vernacular nickname of “skunk” or stinky wood. In the past, the leaves, branches, and fruits were used to extract yellow-orange and green vegetable pigments used in various fields, mainly for dyeing fabrics. Popular superstitions, but also the learned Pliny, claim that it can ward off spells.