Paliurus spina-christi

Christ thorn ( spina- christi Paliurus )

The Christ thorn ( spina- christi Paliurus ) ( Syn: .. P. aculeatus Lam, P. australis paliurus L. Gaertn, and Rhamnus ), also known as Thorn thorn, is a flowering plant, which belongs to the buckthorn family ( Rhamnaceae ). Its name derives possibly and its use as a crown of thorns.

Description

It is up to a height of 6 meters growing shrub. The leaves are distichous, alternate, and are ovate, up to 4 cm long, usually entire, with short stem. During the summer months, the leaves turn yellowish. The stipules are usually converted into two unequal spines.

The small, barely fragrant flowers form umbels Vielblütige and show the characteristic features of the buckthorn plants are fünfzählig, yellow, short stalks and axillary. The flowers are numerous insects as a food source. The flowering period is from June to August. The brown, woody fruits ripen from October to December and have a diameter up to 3 cm.

Habitat requirements

The plant grows well on sandy, loamy soils as well, but preferred the latter. Even compared to the soil pH is tolerant, can even thrive in very alkaline soil. Important to her is an open site, therefore it grows on free or lightly shaded areas. Drought and frost down to -15 ° C endures the plant well. If it comes to aboveground damage, they may sprout from the base again.

Pollination

Fruits and seeds.

Dissemination

The crown of thorns was originally in southern Europe to Asia (China) before, so similar to the buckthorn. Due to the anthropogenic use as a hedge plant the crown of thorns is now more widespread very much, including in North America. In accordance with favorable climatic conditions the plant to grow at altitudes of 3000 m above sea level.

Use

• In landscaping and agriculture, the plant for hedges limiting is used. But even as nectar producing plant is cultivated by beekeepers.
• Maybe spina- christi Paliurus was used for the crown of thorns of Jesus of Nazareth ( see also plants in the Bible). However, this can not be clearly established and other plants are discussed as well as frequent in Jerusalem thorny burnet ( Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) ), or Purgier buckthorn ( Rhamnus catharticus L.) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.).
• In early ancient Egypt derived from a Christ -buckthorn oil called Nebe - oil was used as a perfume and anointing oil.