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Ruscus L.
Genus composed of 7 species, widely distributed acroos the Northern Hermisphere. In North Africa it is represented by 2 species, widespread almost throughout the entire non steppic Mediterranean area.
Key to species
1 Erect plant, frutescens, with woody stems, at least at the base. Phylloclades rigid, with spinescent apex, small (1-3 cm long) Ruscus aculeatus
1 Lying or climbing plant, with herbaceous stems, slightly lignified. Phylloclades soft, not spinescent, large (5-10 cm long) Ruscus hypophyllum
Updated by: B. Valdés & J. Charco.