Ruscus makes cut flowers more fresh

 When creating a bouquet or flower arrangement, colorful and pretty flowers are important, but there are plants called green materials that make them shine even more. There are various green materials such as eucalyptus, asparagus, cypress, Rumora fern, etc. Today, we will learn about Ruscus, which is the most used green material and makes cut flowers more fresh.

 

Carnations and ruscus in a vase (photo by mung-flower garden)

 

What about Ruscus?

 This Ruscus, which is popular as a green material that makes beautiful flowers shine even more because of its strong stem and glossy leaves, is known as a monocot plant of the Asparagus family. In English, it is called Butcher's-broom, that is, 'butcher's broom'. In the old days, butchers used these strong ruscus branches to brush their brooms when brushing off cutting boards or cleaning up residue after slaughter. It is interpreted that this is because. These ruscus leaves contain an antibacterial oil that is effective in cleaning and removing contamination, making such use very reasonable. This plant has been used since ancient Greece, and is known to have been used as a pain reliever or diuretic. There is a popular belief that adding it to wine can also remove kidney stones, so I believe it played a role in relieving pain caused by kidney stones in the past when surgical operations were difficult.

 There are several species of Ruscus, but the most well-known is the species called Ruscus aculetus, which is also distributed in Korea as small-leafed Ruscus. This ruscus grows flowers like projections on the back of the leaves, and after the flowers fade, it produces bright red, delicious fruits in their place.

 According to recent research, Ruscus contains steroidal saponins and polyphenols that act as antioxidants, suggesting that it plays many roles other than simply being used as a flower decoration material. Of course, further research is still needed, but it is known to be a very useful plant.

 Ruscus is found in abundance in Europe, and is distributed in broadleaf forests and mixed forests. It can grow well in most soil types, but prefers somewhat moist, shaded soil. Because its leaves and fruits are non-toxic, it is used as food for wild animals and serves as a habitat for small birds. As a shrub plant, it fills in low areas, so it is a very valuable plant that prevents soil erosion and creates a stable ecosystem. .

Uses of Ruscus

 In floral decorations, ruscus plays an important role in holding the outline of line flowers and creating the main shape. It plays a role in wrapping the stems of flowers that are conditioned with only the stems, and plays a big role in creating the overall outline. Because it has a very strong stem, it does not bend or collapse easily and stands upright, making it perfect as a line auxiliary green.

 Also, when making bouquet decorations, it plays an excellent role in firmly holding flowers with thin stems or materials that easily fall down and balancing the spiral. Especially when used with intensely colored roses, the deep green ruscus makes the flowers shine even more.

 In the hot summer, ruscus alone can be used to decorate vases, or ruscus alone with its red berries can be used to create a wonderful display.

 Ecologically, Ruscus, which plays a variety of roles for the natural ecosystem, is a very valuable material that acts as a halo to make other flowers that shine even brighter in flower decorations.