Ruscus

Family Asparagaceae. Native range - Crimea, the Caucasus, the Mediterranean. Most species of Ruscus have branching fleshy stems on which alternate, leaf-like leathery structures are arranged — modified flat shoots with pointed tips called phylloclades (this is characteristic of other members of the Asparagaceae as well).

True leaves are small whitish scales that grow on the lower side of the phylloclades. Flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and greenish in color. The flower perianth is six-lobed. Depending on the species, flowers may develop on the upper or lower side of the phylloclades, but not in the axils — rather almost in the middle. It gives the impression that the flowers grow directly from the leaves. Ruscus flowers are not particularly decorative, but the berries of bright orange-red color are very ornamental.
Several species are common in indoor culture. For example, Pontic butcher's-broom - Ruscus ponticus or Spiny butcher's-broom - Ruscus aculeatus - a strongly branching shrub; phylloclades small, about 5 cm long, with spiny tips. Butcher's-broom Ruscus hypoglossum - Ruscus hypoglossum - a sparsely branching shrub with broad soft phylloclades, about 7-10 cm long.

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