Rhamnaceae

Rhamnus, from the Greek rhamnos a classical name for the genus. Trees, shrubs occasionally scramblers or climbers, tendrils maybe present, rarely herbs; stipules when present maybe modified to spines; leaves alternate rarely opposite, simple. Frequently pale to white on the lower surface because of densely intertwining hairs. Flowers small, 4-5 merous, stamens arise outside the disc, opposite the petals and often hooded by them. Fruit fleshy or non-fleshy.