BUTCHER'S-BROOM Ruscus aculeatus

This evergreen shrub grows to 1m tall and is a native plant of dry woods, hedgerows and cliffs. It spreads slowly vegetatively, and the attractive red berries are eaten by birds, helping to disperse the seeds. The leaves, which are in fact bracts upon which the flowers and fruits develop are sharply spiny and the species is sometimes used to supplement the defensive qualities of hedgerows.