**Scientific Name:** *Ruscus aculeatus*
**Common Name:** Golden Bells, False Leaves
**Family:** Liliaceae
**Native Region:** Native to both North and South Europe, especially the Mediterranean region.
**Morphological Features:**
*Ruscus aculeatus* is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the genus *Ruscus*. It grows in clusters, with stems ranging from 20 to 40 cm in height. The stems are green and branched, while the leaf-like structures are flattened, leathery, and ovate or lance-shaped. These structures are not true leaves but modified branches that perform photosynthesis. The actual leaves are reduced to small scales at the base of the branches. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The small white-green flowers appear along the midrib of the leaf-like branches, and the fruits are small red berries.
One of the most distinctive features of this plant is the sharp spines at the tips of its "leaves." These spikes can cause irritation if touched, offering natural protection. Due to its unique structure, it has few natural predators.
**Growth Habits:**
This plant prefers warm, humid conditions and partial shade. It does not tolerate direct sunlight or extreme cold. It thrives best in a bright, indirect light environment.
**Cultivation Tips:**
For potted plants, use well-draining, slightly acidic sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry, avoiding overwatering or allowing the soil to become too dry. During dry periods, mist the foliage to increase humidity and prevent leaf edges from drying out. Fertilize every 15 days with a diluted liquid fertilizer or a balanced compound fertilizer.
During summer, place the pot in a bright but shaded area. In winter, move it to a sunny indoor space and reduce watering to encourage dormancy. Repot every 2–3 years in spring.
**Propagation:**
*Ruscus aculeatus* can be propagated through division during repotting. Carefully remove the plant from the pot, trim any rotten roots, and divide the rhizome into sections. Plant each section separately and keep them in a shaded area with high humidity. Avoid overwatering until new growth appears.
Alternatively, seeds can be used for propagation, though since it's a dioecious plant, artificial pollination is required for successful fruiting.
**Uses:**
The dense, glossy green "leaves" make this plant a popular choice for indoor decoration, often placed in living rooms or halls. Dried branches can also be used as decorative elements.
**Health Benefits:**
Research suggests that extracts from *Ruscus aculeatus* can stimulate the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which may help treat hair loss, including male pattern baldness. It is also used in skincare products to promote collagen production and delay signs of aging.
**Why Are the Leaves Called "False"?**
Despite their leaf-like appearance, the structures of *Ruscus aculeatus* are not true leaves. This plant originally came from the hot, dry Mediterranean region, where large leaves would lose too much water. Over time, the real leaves evolved into small scales, while the photosynthetic function was taken over by the flattened, green branches. These branches resemble leaves but are actually modified stems. Flowers grow on these structures, not on true leaves, which is why the plant is called a "false-leaf" tree. Plants with similar structures are known as "pseudophylls," but *Ruscus aculeatus* is one of the most well-known examples.
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