Butcher’s-broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is one of the most surprising plants in the Mediterranean undergrowth. Although at first glance it seems to have rigid and spiny leaves, what we actually observe are cladodes, that is, modified stems that take on the appearance and function of leaves. The true leaves of butcher’s-broom are tiny, scaly and barely visible; this is why the cladodes take over photosynthesis and most of the vegetative function.
One of the most striking singularities of this species is that the flowers —and later the red berries— grow in the centre of the cladode, which clearly shows that it is a stem and not a leaf.
Butcher’s-broom is a perennial and robust shrub found in many shady places along the Catalan coast and pre-coastal areas. It is well adapted to Mediterranean environments and is highly resistant to drought. Currently, it is not considered a threatened species in Catalonia, although in some natural areas the collection of branches is regulated to avoid pressure on local populations, especially during the Christmas season.
This regulation responds to the long tradition of using butcher’s-broom as a winter decorative element, long before holly or fir trees took on the prominence they have today. Thus, butcher’s-broom is a good example of plant adaptation and at the same time a plant closely linked to our winter traditions.
Its cladodes allow us to better understand the evolution of this species, and its historical use in Christmas decorations shows how nature and culture have coexisted and mutually influenced each other over time.
