Ram-na'se-e. L. Rhamn-us + aceae, Gr.

the buckthorn, Christ's-thorn, fr. Celtic ram, a tuft of branches - i. e., collection of thorns, some species thorny. Trees, shrubs. Distinguished by spiny habit; calyx 4-5-parted; petals and stamens distinct, perigynous, 4-5, opposite each other; sepals valvate; petals involute; ovary 2-5-celled, superior or inferior; fruit dry or fleshy, 2-4-celled, each cell 1-seeded; universal; acrid purgative, bitter tonic, febrifuge, dyes; fruits edible.

Genus: 1. Rhamnus.