Berchemia lineata (L.) DC., Prodr. 2: 23. 1825; M. Lawson in Fl. Brit. India 1: 638. 1875. Rhamnus Iineata L., Amoen. Acad. 5: 308. 1760.

Diffused undershrubs; bark smooth, shining; young branches puberulous. Leaves very variable, ovate-elliptic, 0.7-2.5 x 0.3-1.5 cm, obtuse at apex, rounded at base, glabrous, mucronate, entire, midribs depressed above, prominent beneath; petioles 3-4 nun long; stipules infra-axillary, setaceous, 3-4 mm long. Inflorescence axillary or terminal fascicles, 2-4 -flowered. Flowers 5 mm across, glabrous; pedicels 2-3 mm long. Calyx 2-2.5 mm long, keeled up to base; tube campanulate. Petals 5, 1.5-2 mm long, ensheathing the stamens. Stamens 5, 2-2.5 mm long, inserted below the disc; anthers dorsifixed; filaments flat. Disc massive, glabrous. Ovary glabrous; ovules 1 in each locule; style 2 mm long; stigma emarginate or notched. Drupes ellipsoid or cylindrical, 6-10 x 3-5 mm, bluish when ripe, glabrous. Seeds 2, 6-8 x 2-3 mm, compressed, black.

Fl. & Fr. : May - Nov.

Distrib. India: Western and Eastern Himalaya, often found among rocks at about 2100 m. Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim.

China.

Notes. A pretty small shrub very common in the area.