Rhamnus prinoides aka Schefflera

Rhamnus prinoides is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. It comes from Africa's mountains, from Cameroon to Eritrea and South Africa. Its range also takes in Congo and Angola. It grows in mountain woods, forest edges and clearings. It also grows by streams and on rocky slopes. Records place it as high as 12,140 feet [3,700 metres].

The plant forms a dense shrub with leaves all year. One garden source gives a height of 13 feet [4 metres]. Larger trees can reach about 25 feet [7.5 metres]. Tree forms may have trunks about 0.5–0.8 feet [0.15–0.25 metres] thick. Its glossy leaves explain its name, shiny-leaf buckthorn. Gardeners grow it for its leaves and fruit. The supplied accounts do not clearly describe this species' flowers. Nor do they state when it blooms.

The round, fleshy fruits are about the size of peas. Each fruit has three clear sections. They start green, turn red, and become purple when ripe. The source lists the fruit as safe to eat raw. People also use the leaves to flavour beer. Brewers use the stems in place of hops. These uses involve different parts of the plant. They do not show that all parts are safe to eat.

This plant suits tropical and subtropical climates in high ground. It grows in full sun or light shade beneath trees. It accepts most soils. It prefers a yearly mean temperature of 14–22°C. Its reported range of tolerance is 8–32°C. It favours yearly rainfall of 600–800 millimetres. The reported range spans 500 to 1,200 millimetres of rain. Its habitats often have a clear dry season. Reports say established plants withstand −5°C while they grow. They withstand −15°C while dormant, when growth stops.

People plant it in home gardens across Eritrea. They grow it for looks, fuel and folk medicine. Records describe root mixes for several ills, such as stomach pain. People also put leaf mixes on sprains. These records show past use, not proof that treatments work. Fresh seed sprouts well, often within two to six weeks. Some seeds take eight weeks to sprout. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases for this species. Nor does it assess whether this species is toxic.