The glossy buckthorn is a typical shrub that occurs in the marsh alder forest of the National Nature Reserve Šúr near Svätý Jur. The shrub tends to co-exist with grey willow, guelder-rose, European white elm or bird cherry. It grows most luxuriantly in damp and very bright places; the opposite is true as regards places with larger alders and a dense connection of tree crowns. The glossy buckthorn can grow to a height of 5 m, occasionally up to 9 m; therefore it is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a tree. The bark is smooth, black and brown with white dots. The appearance of the bark is caused by numerous white, oval breathing pores, so-called lenticels. Ramnatoxine, a red pigment, is obtained from the bark; in addition, the bark contains free and glycoside bound anthraquinones. It is used for medical purposes and after being processed, it has a laxative effect. It also has anti-helminth, anti-microbial and anti-oxidative effects. The leaves are staggered on easily breakable branches. They are ovate with an entire margin and narrow to a stalk at the base. They are broad at the top and the tip is short and pointed. The leaves are downy but only on the venation. Its flowers are small, green with pink spots and grow as a compound flower in the leaf axils. Its fruit is a drupe, violet and black when ripe, green or red when unripe. Consumption of the fruit by birds such as jays, starlings, thrushes and robins leads a relatively effective distribution in the surrounding area. Distribution by flowing water is an interesting method of distribution as the fruit can float the surface of the water for 7-19 days. This is a significant particularly in areas where autumn and winter floods occur. While the glossy buckthorn originates in Europe, Asia and North Africa, in North America it is one of the introduced and invasive species that threaten the original marsh lands and swamps.

Igor Kokavec