Berchemiella

Berchemiella is a genus of the family of the buckthorn family ( Rhamnaceae ). It includes three species in China and Japan, all of which are threatened.

Description

Berchemiella are evergreen shrubs or small trees. The hairless leaves are usually arranged opposite one another.

The flowers are in terminal cymes or fascicles or achselbürtigen. The permanent flower cup is cup-shaped with a relatively thick, the flower cups completely fills discus. The ovary is half inferior. The fruits are drupes unicompartmental.

Distribution and systematics

The genus was first described in 1923 by Takenoshin Nakai. Within the buckthorn plants it is classified in the tribe Rhamneae. The Berchemiella include only three species and one variety, native to Japan, China and Korea.

• Berchemiella berchemiifolia
• Berchemiella yunnanensis
• Berchemiella wilsonii Berchemiella wilsonii var pubipetiolata

All species of the genus are threatened by human activities, from the nominate of Berchemiella wilsonii are only five examples known of the variety pubipetiolata only four significant occurrences.

Evidence

• Rhamnaceae
• Buckthorn plants