butcher’s broom

Butcher’s broom or Knee holly (Ruscus aculeatus L.), known in al-Andalus by the Arabic name jayzuran andalusi (“Andalusian bamboo cane”), is a dark-green autochthonous bush about 1m tall, which produces male or female shoots (the latter have pretty red fruits)and phylloclades (branches that look like leafs). This species, which is similar to the asparagus plant, also produces shoots like asparagus shoots, which have been eaten since ancient times, either cooked or pickled. Its roots were used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, above all in creams for treating cellulitis and haemorrhoids. Since ancient times it was highly regarded as an ornamental plant in hedges around vegetable gardens, alongside water-channels, in courtyards or in flowerpots. Authors from al-Andalus referred to it in glowing terms: “Because of its beauty it has been taken from the fields to the gardens”. Excellent examples of this plant can be seen at the Alhambra in the Poplar Wood at the top of Cuesta de Gomérez.