Island Redberry

Description

Rhamnus pirifolia is a spreading shrublike tree which approaches 10 meters-30 feet in maximum height. It has gray bark on its branches and the young twigs are purple in color. The thick evergreen leaves are oval in shape with pointed or nearly rounded tips, measuring 2 to 4 centimeters long. The edges are smooth or toothed and curve under, making the leaves concave. The inflorescence is a solitary flower or umbel of up to six flowers. The flower has four pointed sepals and no petals. The fruit is a drupe which ripens to bright red. It is just under a centimeter wide and contains two seeds.