Ruscus aculeatus

Ruscus aculeatus

Le Fragon petit-houx ou Fragon faux-houx (Fr)

Butcher's Broom (En)

Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) might at first glance be mistaken for a Holly (Ilex aquifolium) but it's spikey leaves are not in fact leaves but are modified stems. The centre of these leaf-shaped steams contains a small flower which can be seen at almost any time of the year and occasionally results in red berries.

It is considered to be a sign of ancient woodland.

Only found so far in one location on La Jaillerie.  

Used in the past by butchers to rub down and clean their cutting blocks, hence its English name.